New Sheringham chippy opened by MP really is ship shape

Rebecca May, 19, outside the Sheringham Trawler, which was opened by her father Andy and step-mum Lisa at the weekend. Photo: Karen Bethell (Image: Archant)

The Trawler, in High Street, was the idea of husband and wife team Andrew and Lisa May, who run Albert's Fish Bar at Holt.

It has a wooden boat frontage complete with ship's bell and fishing nets, while, on the inside, the café is decorated with photographs of local seaside scenes.

'Andy came up with the idea and we just ran with it, it is a bit out-of-the-box, but I love it,' said Mrs May.

The maritime theme is continued throughout, with the toilet doors emblazed with images of famous 'sailor man' Popeye and his love interest Olive Oyl and a ship's wheel sitting in the 'helm' of the restaurant.

Mrs May, 39, began frying fish as a fourteen-year-old, helping out in her father Barry Woods's mobile chip van and, later, working at his take-away at Kelling Heath Holiday Park.

She and Mr May, 55, took over Albert's Fish Bar after her father opted for semi-retirement a few years ago.

Mr Woods, 70, still works at Albert's, but the couple are now planning to sell the business to concentrate on the Sheringham Trawler, which serves traditional fish and chips, as well as a gluten-free option.

Because Mr Lamb's mother Moira, 95, is a regular customer at their Holt shop, Mr and Mrs May asked the MP to unveil a commemorative plaque at Saturday's opening celebration, where guests included friends, local dignitaries and Sheringham traders.

Mr Lamb, who tucked in to a plate of cod and chips, said: 'I think the Trawler epitomises Sheringham and what is on offer here; the way it has been kitted out is wonderful and it is something new for the town to offer visitors to north Norfolk.'