Plans to open a fish and chip shop less than 100 yards from two others in the shell of an empty dessert restaurant have been revealed.
The former Kaspa’s in Canterbury High Street is poised to be taken over by Fish Bros, a traditional fish and chip shop also offer pies, burgers and ice cream to eat-in or takeaway.
Pictures show how the shopfront would be redecorated if given the go-ahead by Canterbury City Council, with attractive but subtle blue signage set to adorn the city centre location.
However, with the Seafarer and City Fish Bar just a minute’s walk in either direction, the new arrival will find itself competing with well-established staples from the off.
Further afield, there are a handful of non-specialist restaurants also offering the meal – with residents spoiled for choice when it comes to securing a portion of the much-loved British dish.
It comes in stark contrast to the struggles felt by neighbouring Whitstable, with the seaside town having just two choices to feed the masses on a Friday night.
It is the second set of plans put forward by Shawarma Bros this year, who currently have a Middle-East-inspired food kiosk in Waterloo, London.
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The previous proposal was withdrawn with bosses behind the project acknowledging improvements could be made, such as fitting a gas meter and reconfiguring the ventilation.
As part of the project, the ground floor would have a larger kitchen installed while upstairs would be a dedicated seating area with 76 covers, complete with a bar selling alcohol and other beverages.
Opening in January 2016, Kaspa’s announced its closure last month after eight years – though no reason was given as to why.
Prior to life as a dessert shop, it served as a footwear store with both Shoe Zone and George Oliver trading from there since the 1980s.
Shawarma Bros has been contacted for comment.
