Hundreds of Brits have shed a tear for an iconic fish and chip shop that had been serving loyal customers for more than seven decades – after it announced it was suddenly closing
An iconic chippy that has been serving Bris for more than seven decades has sadly confirmed its closure. Located on Old Durham Road in Gateshead, in the northeast of England – Visocchi’s was a family-run Fish & Chip shop that had built up a loyal fan base since 1952.
The locally famous eatery served up classic dishes such as fish and chips, pies, burgers, and fishcakes – along with essential dips like curry sauce, gravy, beans, and mushy peas. Doner kebabs and pizzas were also a customer favourite.
On Google, Visocchi’s had a slew of five-star reviews from impressed customers that raved about its ‘great’ food and ‘accommodating’ staff, as well as the shop’s ‘superb value for money’. “I’ve been a Visocchi’s customer since I was a little girl and honestly say that there isn’t another takeaway like it in Gateshead,” one customer raved.
“It has been there as long as I can remember and the staff are still the same; kind, courteous and respectful. They always cook their food freshly on demand and it’s simply delicious!”
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However, hundreds of locals were left shell-shocked after discovering the chippy has suddenly ceased operations. Posting on the ‘Gateshead’ Facebook page, user Geordie Jan broke the news after sharing a picture of a notice board hung in the window.
It stated that after 73 years, the family businesses had officially closed so the owners could enjoy their retirement. “We would like to thank all of our customers and friends for all of your support over the years, it really has meant a lot to us,” the notice added.
“We will genuinely miss you all and wish you all the very best for the future. Thank all once again – from everyone at Visocchi’s.”
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At the time of writing, the post has garnered more than 300 ‘likes’ and dozens of comments – with already grieving the loss of their beloved fried food. “Sorry to see you go, Angela and Lawrence, it’s been my fish shop for years living just around the corner and even when moving to Felling I still would come for fish and chips,” one dedicated customer wrote. “Nowhere came close to your chips, happy retirement, you deserve the rest.”
Another agreed, commenting: “Sad to hear this. We loved our fish suppers there when we were kids on Fridays and a bag of chips through the week if we were lucky enough to have the money.” A third added: “Loved that chippy. The staff were always really friendly,” while a fourth penned: “What a shame to see you closing, was a lovely little fish shop.”
If you’re now looking for a new chippy, Chronicle Live says there is a slew of acclaimed rivals in the nearby area that have popped up in recent years. “First up was the opening of Colmans inside Fenwick, as the South Shields legends expand to Newcastle and then Krispies in Forest Hall, which had people queuing up down the street to take advantage of its opening offer,” the publication added.
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