It was the price when the brand was founded in 1972
Emma Sheard, of Mother Hubbard’s, with fish and chips(Image: Joseph Raynor/ Reach PLC)
Crowds queued to bag a bargain on the opening day of a new chippy in Nottingham.
Mother Hubbard’s, a well-known Yorkshire name, celebrated its latest shop by selling fish and chips for just 45p.
That was the price of the popular takeaway when Mother Hubbard’s was founded in 1972, in Bradford, and often when a new shop comes along, that’s the opening day offer to draw people to the shop.
The queue trailed down Alfreton Road to the new Centre Court student block and around the corner on Saturday, October 3.
Emma Sheard, who goes around the country opening Mother Hubbard’s new branches, said: “It was so busy. Nottingham was one of the busiest openings we’ve ever done. That queue was the biggest line we’ve ever had.”
One thousand portions of fish and chips were served that day. “We had to turn people away afterwards because there was nothing left. Mother Hubbard’s is a very big brand, a well-established brand. It’s been going since 1972 so we must be doing something right for it to be going so long,” said Emma.
Some of the people in the queue were homeless or couldn’t afford fish and chips after prices rocketed, which is why Mother Hubbard’s sold them at a knockdown price to do its bit for the community.
The location couldn’t be better to attract trade. Emma said: “It’s a very, very busy road, Even the last two days after the opening, we’ve been busy non-stop all day. Hopefully it continues like that. That’s what we want.”
Prices are the same whether customers eat in (there are 20 seats) or take their food away. The chain sells haddock and the price of regular fish and chips is £11.95, rising to a super jumbo portion for £22.95. Meal deals are also offered, which include a side and drink.
Fiery fish is in a masala marinade, while spicy fish is in a spicy batter. A visit to the chippy doesn’t have to be unhealthy either as grilled fish and salad is on the menu.
Nor is it all about fish. Pies, spicy chicken burgers, chicken nuggets, wings, and jacket potatoes are options and chips also come loaded or flavoured with Chinese-style salt and pepper.
Customers can indulge in desserts too. Jam roly poly, apple crumble, chocolate fudge cake and sticky toffee pudding are listed.
Mother Hubbard currently has 98 franchises open in the UK and a further 39 on the way, including one in Derby and others abroad.
The chippy is open seven days a week from 11am to midnight.
It’s not the first Mother Hubbard’s to arrive in Nottingham. A franchise opened at Beechdale Retail Park in 2022 but it closed in 2025 and was converted into a Little Dessert Shop.
