Historic chippy’s new home: Award-winning fish and chip shop in Grangemouth has moved and now includes a cafe

New home for fish shop with 50 years history. Image - La Gondola

La Gondola’s famous fish and chips are on the move – but they’ll be serving up your favourite supper and much more at their new home in the town centre.

Three generations of Samanda Cumming’s family have run a fish and chip shop in Grangemouth – but their bigger premises mean they are about to embark on a new venture.

They’ll still be serving the same award-winning fish and chips and family favourites like pizzas and kebabs to customers old and new but the larger shop means they can have café seating and offer a range of foods at lunchtimes, including sandwiches and snacks alongside their regular menu.

Fifty years of fish suppers

It’s all change for fish and chip shop. Image - La Gondola

Almost 50 years ago the family opened a fish and chip shop in Grangemouth town centre.

Samanda recalls they had to move from the original shop as it was going to be demolished for housing, so they moved to the Kerse Road end of La Porte Precinct. And now history is repeating itself

“It’s come full circle,” she says. “That building is now going to be demolished so we are moving.”

She says she is looking forward to seeing her customers again and getting the new café in the former Portonian Bakery and Tea Rooms at 41 La Porte Precinct up and running

“But it’s also quite emotional,” she said. “At the end of the day it’s been part of our family for so long, and we have had customers who have been coming for years.”

An all-new La Gondola

But as the new La Gondola just a few yards from their former shop, former customers won’t have far to come.

Samanda has worked in the business since she was a teenager but she and her husband John took over sole running 13 years ago. She says they still really enjoy what they do, and love the contact with their regular customers and meeting new people.

“It’s hard work and a lot of hours but we have been doing it for that long we don’t even think about it,” said Samanda.

Adding a 12-14 seater café is a step forward she’s relishing – but they will need extra pairs of hands. The new café means longer opening hours and more members of staff are needed to help out, especially during the day, they are currently looking for people with experience to join the family team.

"It’s a lovely new premises,” she said. “Everything is new and we have spent a lot of money on the equipment and getting the shop to looking how we want it.”

But there will still be a reminder of past times with a collage of photographs from past times and former premises taking pride of place on the walls.

The new premises will have longer opening hours from 10am to 10pm Monday to Saturday and 4pm to 10pm on Sunday.

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