North Elmham Fish and Chip shop set to reopen with new owner

Mr Beck, 33, has taken over the village chip shop in North Elmham - between Dereham and Fakenham - after its former owner, Ian Betts, closed it in November because of soaring energy, gas and rent prices. 

Mr Beck, who lives in Fakenham, has previously managed Platten's in Wells and Eric's Fish and Chips in Thornham.

Matthew Beck, Owner of Beck's Fish and Chips (Image: Matthew Beck)

He said: “The cost of living is a concern for everybody at the moment and I'd be lying if I didn’t feel the same way.

"However, for me personally, I feel like this is the right time to challenge myself and I’m committed to providing quality fish and chips and making this a successful business.

“I’m nervous but excited and can’t wait to get the fryers on and serve fish and chips.”

Read More: Norfolk chippy named among the UK's best fish and chip spots

This will be the first time Mr Beck has owned his own business.

He said he thought he had gained the skills he needed for this new challenge over the past 14 years of working in the industry, having started as a fryer and working his way up.

North Elmham's Fish and Chip shop was run by Ian Betts - but he closed up last November (Image: Aaron McMillan)

Mr Beck said he already knew the village well and was looking forward to working there.

He said: “North Elmham is a lovely village with a lot of history, there is a big community spirit here and I would love to be a part of that. 

“I have family that have lived in the village for a few years and when it became clear the shop was available it was too good of an opportunity to turn down.”

Beck’s Fish and Chips is due to open on March 14.