One of the best in the country

Described as the “Oscars of the Fish and Chips industry,” the National Federation of Fish Friers have announced the top 40 finalists for Takeaway of the Year.

Included in that list is our very own Westgate Fish and Chips in Morecambe. Owned by brothers Cem and Cihan Oktem who are utterly passionate about the fish and chips industry – so much so they actually own and run four chippies.

In February 2008, the brothers opened their first fish and chip shop – Packet Bridge in Bolton-le-Sands. Initially, Cem was working for his brother Cihan whilst their father ran the shop, before the brothers took it on as the first in their fish and chips empire.

In June 2019, the opportunity to purchase Westgate in Morecambe arose and the brothers jumped at the chance – opening the shop up in November of that year. “We ripped it completely up back to brick, so it’s a nice blank canvas,”

The Oktem brothers had opened up the shops and worked on their décor, menu and quality of service in mind of entering the National Federation of Fish Friers competition. Not only have the pair had the stress of bringing their shops up to the high quality the competition demands, but they’ve also done it in their busiest year when they go from owning two fish and chip shops to four.

As well as the Morecambe and Bolton-le-Sands branches, Cem and Cihan also run Priory Place in Ulverston, Cumbria and will soon re-open Jingling Lane Chippy in Kirkby Lonsdale.

Not only are the brothers focused on the aesthetic of their branches, but the quality and sustainability of their produce is also paramount. Cem told LancsLive that everything they sell are raw, natural produce and all ethically sourced.

He continued: “We’ve got full traceability of our potatoes and of our fish. The vision of our shop is transparent and the source of our stock is transparent.

“We want to buy the best ingredients possible.” Although the brothers are passionate about offering the very best they can, the country is currently in a cost of living crisis which has disproportionately effected fish and chip shops.