New fish-and-chip shop set to open in Alnwick next week

The final touches are being made to the chippy in Alnwick which is being opened by Geoff Jobson.

Builder Geoff Jobson has taken over the former Greenwoods store on Paikes Lane and his new venture, Jobson’s, will officially open from 4.30pm next Friday (April 15), although it may open for the first time a couple of days earlier.

Geoff first announced his plans for a new sit-in fish-and-chip shop more than a year ago, in February 2015, before an application to change the building’s use was submitted in June last year.

The lengthy process means that Geoff ‘can’t wait’ to open his doors to the public next week, especially after the amount of work they have put in.

“It hasn’t taken too long to prepare the shop, but getting all the permissions and things like that has taken a while,” he said.

“I have enjoyed it though, it’s been a learning curve.”

It is the first time that Geoff has opened a chippy, but he does have experience in the catering industry.

“We have had mobile food vans for 10 years so this was the next step really,” he said.

The permanent town-centre base means nine people will be employed, including Geoff and his son Jamie.

For some time, Alnwick has had just one fish-and-chip shop in the town centre – the well-established Carlo’s, owned by Alnwick Chamber of Trade chairman Carlo Biagioni.

Further afield, there is Victoria House, in Victoria Terrace, while Barresdale Triple Diner also sells fish and chips.

Geoff said that there used to be a large number of chip shops in the town, adding: “We are looking forward to giving them a bit of competition.”

Jobson’s will serve what is described as a traditional menu and there is also a children’s menu.