06-02-2025
Greater Manchester fish and chip shop named one of best in UK
A fish and chip store that has been open for 36 years is celebrating after receiving a Good Food Award. Olympus Fish and Chips has been handed the coveted Blue Ribbon by the competition for its top class food and customer service.
The restaurant, which is in the heart of Bolton town centre, started from humble beginnings as a small takeaway run by owner Tasos Pattichis in 1988. As time went on, Pattichis, who moved to Bolton with his family from Greece as a young child, managed to buy neighbouring buildings on Great Moor Street and eventually turned Olympus into a mammoth 200-seater restaurant that has become a tourist attraction.
Olympus has also been a hit with locals, including famous presenter and comedian, Paddy McGuinness, who is known to be a big fan. Recently, the eatery was finally able to display their Blue Ribbon trophy which was in recognition of the chippy's food quality and service.
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Speaking about the award, Tasos, 65, told the MEN: "I feel as though we are a really good team and we've been established for 36 years. I have staff that have been working here for 25 years.
"What you get there is a family orientation out of it and the customers love it because they see the same staff. They've become attached and when they come here they are given a memorable experience, not just because the fish and chips are good quality but also the service, which I think is next to none.
"The England's Business Award was the biggest one. It's a little bit more prestigious and there was more to do with it, it involved secret shoppers and more that we had to go through.
"We go through a lot with all the awards but that one was on the next level."
The Blue Ribbon for Delicious Dishes is an award given by the Good Food Awards food businesses with high customer ratings and votes. Winners are chosen based on their food quality, service, and value.
Last year was the restaurant's 36th anniversary, a year which brought more success after Olympus was crowned as the Best Fish and Chip Shop in the Manchester category.
Speaking about the accolade, which was handed to the business during a show at the Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel in July.
Tasos added: "I've been in this trade a long time and because I grew up in the industry and its a way of life myself, to see what I've experienced from a young age until now, I feel extremely proud.
"The pride comes from pleasing others, the customers, the staff. It is exciting for me all the time."
