Customers gutted as longstanding chippy announces closure as many say 'it will be missed'

A much-loved takeaway in Sutton Coldfield which has been serving customers since the 1960s has announced its closing for good this weekend. And its customers have reacted with shock and sadness.

Beeches Walk Take Away has been serving up fish and chips, alongside its Greek specialties for three generations since 1969, but its current owners have said they are shutting up shop for the final time on Saturday (May 4) blaming the financial pressures, rising prices and being ‘unable to match the changes in the industry’.

The Christoforou family have run the chippy for five-and-a-half decades but that is now coming to close, and they made the announcement in a heartfelt post on Facebook, thanking customers for their support and saying a new buyer has been found but their involvement will end.

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The Facebook post said: “A Message for our Valued Customers of Beeches Walk Take Away. It is with heavy hearts that we announce the forthcoming closure of our family business, which has been trading on Beeches Walk for 55 Years.

“In recent times, we have found it more and more difficult to keep pace in the current economic climate. It has been well documented that price rises of goods and services in the retail and hospitality industry have affected many businesses, and we are not alone in feeling the effects of this.

“Unfortunately, and with great sadness, we have been unable to match the changes in the industry without passing massive price rises on to our customers, and we will be closing our doors on Saturday 4th May 2024.” The full statement can be read here.

And following the announcement there has been an outpouring of sadness, as customers reflected on going to the prominent chippy, close to Birmingham Road and Jockey Road over the years.

Sonia Sethi said: “Sad news served lovely fish and chips.” While Nicky Taroni commented: “Awful, sign of the times.” Sharon Small said: “Where can I get Moussaka from now ?!”, alongside two sad emojis.

Jenny Wilkinson expressed her disappointment and said: “Really sad news. It’s been my local chippy since I was a girl and my own boys love going there. Will be very greatly missed.”

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Stuart Moore commented: “It’s so sad to see this. Such a long surviving business delivering a quality service for so long. Just says it all about these times when a Subway next door is thriving! Another blow for a once thriving and affluent area.” And Heather Hawkins simply said: “The best chips!”

Ian Smith reflected: “Sad news. Happy memories of a 17-year-old me leaving the Horse & Jockey and walking home via this amazing chippy that I use 40 odd years later.” And Wendy Kane also looked back with a nostalgic post and said: “Many happy memories buying chippy meals from there as a kid and then when Greek food was sold - our family would buy that too. Also remember walking past after school and sometimes seeing Crossroads bring filmed. Happy days.”