The English Chippy

Just a stone’s throw away from where Manchester United — arguably the most famous football club in world history — founded their second home in 1893 on Bank Street, formally Bank Lane, the unassuming The English Chippy can be found. Ironically its only hundred yards or so from their rivals — Manchester City — new home, the Etihad Stadium.
More commonly known as Brian’s, this is arguably one the best chip shops in the area, if not Manchester. Situated in an end terrace on Midlothian Street in Clayton, a street that has been decimated by poor planning decisions from Manchester City Council and which has seen much of the solid terraces boarded up and awaiting a long drawn out demolition (over 10 years) under the dreadful Pathfinder Housing Renewal Scheme.
However, amongst the slow decay of Midlothian Street, Brian’s is a jewel treasured my Claytonians and Mancuanians alike. The chips are fluffy and perfectly cooked. The fish always fresh in crispy light batter (you have to request it on entering), portions are generous and all at a good competitive price.
Manchester is adverse to Michelin starred restaurants, but when simple food is done well, as it always is at Brian’s, the hallmark of excellence is not a little star, but the throng of repeat customers that keep coming back for more. And they always do come back to Brian’s.
Forget the Le Cordon Bleu, its the humble fried potato thats trending. It may be the British staple, but what marks Brian’s out as not just another chippy, is that his dish du jour isn’t just fish and chips, its the consistent high quality that he ensures.
Considering over 99% percent of the British economy is made up of micro businesses such as Brian’s, Manchester City Council should take note and a little more appreciation and start supporting businesses like Brian’s that serve and connect communities and indeed bring Midlothian Street back into life and start using the houses they have cruelly boarded up.