Copper Fish Bar, Walsall

While a number of public houses in the Leamore area of Walsall have shut up shop due to poor trade the same can't be said for its chip shops.

The boss of Copper Fish Bar, in Leamore Lane, thinks business has improved since several watering holes closed, resulting in less people wandering around late in the evening worse the wear for drink.

This has probably encouraged more families to visit the premises at night. Proprietor Chris Georgallas took over the takeaway from his father-in-law Chris Orthodoxou. The business has been in the extended family's hands for about 40 years.

He says: "The customers are generally quite nice and pleasant. Also it's a busy district centre and there are always lots of people about.

"Although some of the pubs closed this has done us some good because we are getting more moms coming in with their children in the evenings now." A busy chippy is a good sign that the food is good and Copper Fish Bar, based in Leamore's shopping precinct, was very busy when I visited. There was a short wait for the chips but the food was still piping hot when it was dished out at home a few minutes later. The staff cook relatively small amounts at a time so food is not left sitting in the warmer for long which allows customers to enjoy their meals freshly cooked. I had fish and chips, which was priced at £4.50, while my other half had roe and chips, on special offer at £1.50, and the children shared a portion of chips and big sausages.

In addition, we had curry sauce, mushy peas and onion rings for side orders as well as a large bottle of fizzy drink.

Everything tasted fresh and was well cooked. The chips were not greasy and the portions were generous with more than enough to feed another couple of people.

Other specials on offer at the moment include kebab meat and chips priced at £2.20 as well as one piece of fried chicken and chips at £1.90. Children's meals include sausage and chips at £1.30. The chip shop is closed on Sundays.

It is actually one of the few fast food places we tend to visit. Copper Fish Bar is on our favourite list and we will definitely be remaining loyal to it.

Deborah Stewart

Leamore Lane, Leamore, Walsall

Tel: 01922 447910