A Barrow chippy owner has spoken out about the rising costs of ingredients and energy which is driving up the costs of the classic British fish and chips takeaway.

According to official statistics, the average price is now £9.

There are fears up to a third of chip shops will close due to inflation as well as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. 

The Mail: National Fish and Chip week Olympic Chippy Manager Khaled Barkahoum with a huge helping of chips. Thursday May 31st 2018. PICTURES by MILTON HAWORTH.

The Olympic chippy is a popular family-run fish and chips shop in Barrow on Buccleuch Street. It has been established since 1969 when the range was powered by a coal fire.

The Nicolaides family has seen many changes to the industry over the years.

52-year-old Nicos Nicolaides said: "Our energy was up for renewal just before the war in Ukraine so has now trebled in price. It's also passed on the costs of the likes of oil, sunflower oil and fish. 

"The potatoes come from England however now the cheapest cost as much as the good ones used to be. We've lost a lot from the price of potatoes alone - we're now paying £15 more a sack than last year. Even commercial baked beans have gone up from £20 to £40.

"It's affecting everyone across the board and we've had to put our prices up a bit but not too much as we know that customers have rising mortgages, energy bills and are paying for everyday food.

"They tend to understand but I have thought about putting a sign up to explain. Luckily, in Barrow and Ulverston, we have the cheapest fish and chips in the UK, whereas some places have gone up to £14. Fish and chips should be cheap.

The Mail: CHIP: Nicos’ daughter Millie, handing out an Olympic chip on National Fish and Chip Day 2018.

"You have to be an accountant as well as a fish frier and we never used to look at the prices of things but now you have to. Thankfully, we're in a position where we haven't got other massive goings.

"There have always been challenges in the industry. The sunshine brings everyone out however we're currently short on rain for the potatoes. At one point there was also a rise in packaging and paper costs.

"It's thought the price of potatoes may come down in August. We will just have to get through these hard times, keep laughing and stay positive."