From Childhood Visits to Ownership: My Journey with The Mermaid

A few years ago, I bought a business that holds a very special place in my heart: The Mermaid, Leeds' iconic fish and chip shop.

As a child, my parents would drive us 10 miles—past countless other takeaways—just to get to The Mermaid. It wasn’t just about the food (which was always incredible), but about the memories we made there as a family. When I had children of my own, I carried on the tradition—taking them to The Mermaid and creating those same special moments. For over 50 years, it’s been part of our family story.

After the pandemic, The Mermaid was struggling financially. Stepping in to buy it wasn’t really a commercial decision—it was a sentimental one. I did it out of love—for what it represented to me, to my family, and to the local community.

But running a business like this takes time, focus, and daily dedication. With other commitments in my life, I’ve come to realise that I can’t give it everything it needs to grow. I’d hoped a family member might carry the torch, but that didn’t work out. And so, with mixed emotions, I’ve made the decision to sell.

The good news is that The Mermaid’s future looks bright. The new owner is a seasoned operator with deep experience in both fast food and fish and chips. I’m genuinely excited that The Mermaid is now in the hands of someone who can invest in it and take it forward.

I’m proud to have played a small part in saving The Mermaid during a critical time. As I often say, sometimes the most responsible thing you can do is step back—and recognise when someone else is better placed to take something forward. That’s exactly what I’m doing here.

The Mermaid lives on, and I’ll always be one of its biggest fans.