‘Legendary’ fish and chip shop still serving up tasty meals

AJK Fish and Chips in Johnston Street, Blackburn, is one of 10 chippies shortlisted in the Lancashire Telegraph Best Fish and Chip Shop competition.

The chip shop reopened recently following a two-year closure and has been serving some of the best meals in town for 35 years.

Owner Mohammed Younus had run the shop with his brother Mohammed Yousaf for many years, but he died of pancreatic cancer in 2023.

The shop is located a five-minute walk from the town centre (Image: Nq/LT) Following a reopening in April, the shop was overwhelmed with the response (Image: Nq/LT) Mohammed took a break from the business, but in April he was back and long queues greeted him on his return.

He said: “It was lovely to see people and old customers again.

“We were really overwhelmed in those first few weeks. It was very busy.

"We had people coming to Blackburn from other towns. They said they had heard we were open and wanted to try it out."

The shop itself was opened by their father Haji Vir Wali alongside his sons in 1990.

It quickly got a reputation for serving up some of the best meals in town.

Many traditional fish and chip shops have closed in the past two decades and alongside the Ocean Chippy and Queen Vic it is only one of three within a short walk from the town centre.

The chip shop is synonymous with serving up large portions, something Mohammed, 57, has spoken about.

He said: “What it is, is it's so expensive. Fish has gone expensive. 

“I don’t want to charge more because this used to be the common man’s food.

“It has got to the point that if you buy a family meal, it can cost £40 to £50.

“I remember when we first opened it used to be 15p for chips. Now I am charging £10 for fish and chips, and I feel embarrassed charging that.

"What can you do though? With the oil being so expensive and the energy bills on top it is difficult for small businesses.

“We always still like to give a full portion. We don’t do smaller versions, it will be a family feast.”

Voting in the Best Fish and Chip Shop competition is open until Saturday, June 14, and you can cast your vote by picking up a copy of the Lancashire Telegraph.

Each finalist will be profiled to show why it deserves your vote and to be named East Lancashire's best.