In January 2009 I took these pics of the old fish & chip restaurant and fishmongers at the northern end of East Acton Lane near Savoy Circus (named after a cinema and a roundabout, both long gone).
As you can see, the shop frontage was lovely with a hand-painted sign by Brilliant Signs Ltd of W12 (Permenart) and the little panels in the windows had decorative glass panels and ventilation inserts. Along the bottom there were lovely hand-fired green tiles with five fish motifs at regular intervals. For some reason I only took photos of three of them:
The shop was clearly closed for business. Peering in through the window I could see the lovely old wooden seating was still intact. However, some kind of renovation was underway – there were paint pots on the counter which was covered in a cloth. I assumed they were merely doing a bit of decorating.
I haven't visited the area since ten and so, last weekend when I was in the vicinity, I took a short detour to go and check out what has become of the place.
But, oh dear, what a disaster – everything shown above has gone. And I mean everything. I didn't get out of the car to take photos because it was just too much to take in. Instead, I googled it when I got home and these streetview screengrabs show that absolutely nothing is left of the old shop:
How is this allowed to happen? I have tried searching for other images of the old shop but the only pics I can find are my own – there must be some in an archive somewhere...?
Sad face.
As you can see, the shop frontage was lovely with a hand-painted sign by Brilliant Signs Ltd of W12 (Permenart) and the little panels in the windows had decorative glass panels and ventilation inserts. Along the bottom there were lovely hand-fired green tiles with five fish motifs at regular intervals. For some reason I only took photos of three of them:
The shop was clearly closed for business. Peering in through the window I could see the lovely old wooden seating was still intact. However, some kind of renovation was underway – there were paint pots on the counter which was covered in a cloth. I assumed they were merely doing a bit of decorating.
I haven't visited the area since ten and so, last weekend when I was in the vicinity, I took a short detour to go and check out what has become of the place.
But, oh dear, what a disaster – everything shown above has gone. And I mean everything. I didn't get out of the car to take photos because it was just too much to take in. Instead, I googled it when I got home and these streetview screengrabs show that absolutely nothing is left of the old shop:
How is this allowed to happen? I have tried searching for other images of the old shop but the only pics I can find are my own – there must be some in an archive somewhere...?
Sad face.
I live in East Acton for many years, growing up there. This fish and chip shop did great business on a Friday. It was family run by 2 generations the decor was amazing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting this. I spent much time growing up at my grandparents in Trinity Way during the 80s and 90s, visiting this place was a weekly affair. I think the owner kept pigeons out the back, the food was always great and the atmosphere inviting. I miss those days! I can still smell the fish frying now!
ReplyDeleteIt was the most amazing place and i can remember when it was fired by coal and they had a pigeon loft on the roof.
ReplyDeleteI used to go for my supper once every week after work. Pearl and Bob owned it I think. It was wonderful. There was a neon sign saying, "Eat fish, save money".
ReplyDeleteThanks to Rob, Simon, Martin and Anonymous for sharing their memories. The loss must feel greater for you as I only ever became aware of it by the time it was closed and then, due to finding all those lovely original features, especially the fish tiles on the outside, I often made an effort to check up on the building if I was in the vicinity.
ReplyDeleteAnother fish and chip shop has recently suffered a loss of its tiles. I discovered last year that although the premises is still trading in fish and chips, some lovely colourful Art Nouveau have been obliterated or removed. Sigh. See here: http://www.janeslondon.com/2022/02/on-tiles-at-georges-fish-chips-shop-45.html
Not sure why my last post wasn’t added but will reiterate. While growing up in East Acton I have fond memories of this establishment. Which I was privileged to visit once in a while with my parents. The surroundings were absolutely unique. Nothing I could relate to apart from pie and mash shops . Hope everyone who sampled the delicious delights as I did brings back memories.
ReplyDeleteMr k mccluskey