Blow for UK seaside town as fish and chip shop goes into liquidation | UK | News
A family-run fish and chop shop has collapsed into liquidation, blaming rising costs for the move. The hospitality industry has been hit by increased business rates and other costs right across the UK. Factors such as increased minimum wages and energy bills have led to the closure of many high street retail stores and hospitality venues across the country, and industry leaders have warned that hundreds more could close if the Government doesn’t act soon.
Fish and chip shops are among the businesses that have been struggling in recent years. Several have closed in the past couple of years, sparking fears for the economic health of seaside towns, where fish and chip shops have been a staple for generations. One of the latest hospitality businesses to go into liquidation due to rising operational costs is Enzo’s, a beloved pizzeria and fish and chip shop in the Scottish seaside town of Ayr.The business had only been open since 2024, but hostile economic conditions have proven too difficult to operate under, leading to the appointment of liquidators on February 6.
The local business, which is located at 7 Burns Statue Square, has been serving pizza and classic chippy fare since March 2024.
It remains open, and the business has not released a statement, but liquidators said the move was made due to rising costs and reduced consumer spending. It follows a general meeting on February 4, at which a special resolution to wind up the business voluntarily and an ordinary resolution appointing the joint liquidators were both passed.
Kevin Mapstone and George Lafferty, practitioners at insolvency firm Begbies Traynor (Central) LLP, were appointed as liquidators for the business, which is owned by Bation Mydini and run with the help of his family.
Enzo’s had become a staple of Ayr, which is a popular destination to visit over the summer months, with its beach, cafes, restaurants and entertainment venues.
It had proven popular with locals, who have shared their thoughts about the food and service they got from Enzo’s since it opened. One online review reads: “Got a fish supper on a whim today and really enjoyed it. They are very polite and fast. A good deal for a 2-piece fish supper, really well-cooked, tasted fresh and clean.”
Another says: “First time trying yesterday, got lunch time specials and wow what can I say other than amazing value, and batter was perfect on fish, probably the best I’ve ever tried.”
A recent statement from UKHospitality warned that a slew of businesses in the industry could close without serious government intervention as costs soar. “The rising cost of doing business and business rates increases is a hospitality-wide problem that needs a hospitality-wide solution,” said Kate Nicholls, Chair of UKHospitality.
