Popular Nottingham chippy returns after 14-month absence — and regulars are delighted

Having first opened in 1976, Panchos is a local institution

“Panchos is back,” says a man in the street, fist punching the air, when he spots a popular chippy has returned.

Like all the fish and chip shop’s loyal customers, he’s clearly delighted. Locals were gutted when Panchos closed down last year, just shy of its 50th anniversary. First opened by the Solomonides family in 1976, it was taken over by the Kosar family in 2001.

The premises, in Mansfield Road, Carrington, were transformed into a swish Turkish restaurant, Mezza, serving authentic dishes of hummus, chicken doner and lamb shish kebabs.

It won high praise in reviews for its food and friendly service, with some customers calling it the best Turkish restaurant in Nottingham but it closed down earlier this year as the family behind it had personal issues to deal with.

When the keys were handed back, Oz Kosar, who had previously run Panchos, decided to reopen the chippy, returning to business on Monday, September 21. “It’s exciting news for the local community,” he said.

“On the first day, what amazed me was people coming in saying welcome back. That was lovely. I didn’t realise we were missed that much. We’ve been getting bombarded with messages it’s brilliant.”

He decided to quit last May after reaching burnout. He said: “It came to a point in 20-something years, I just had no interest in the premises. I was here seven days a week. After my dad’s illness, I took over fully and I was doing roughly 11 or 12 hours a day. I was like a machine. I definitely wanted more family time.”

After 14-months of freedom, quality time with his eight-year-old godson and helping out friends a couple of days a week at other restaurants, he is back with a business partner, a fresh outlook and renewed sense of drive.

Although the chippy will still open seven days a week, he will not be there every hour of the day. “With my business partner it will make a difference. We’ve got a stronger team this time. I can go out, do things I need to and don’t have to look back.”

The menu has had some changes from previously. As well as traditional battered cod, haddock, plaice and lemon sole, there’s now a range of grilled fish, such as sea bass, rainbow trout, salmon and swordfish.

Oz plans to launch gluten-free options, every day of the week, since there’s a separate fryer that can be used to avoid cross contamination.

Quality chicken and lamb kebabs, doner, shish and kofte, are on the menu along with chicken wings and lamb chops. Turkish breads pide and lahmacon come topped with meat or cheese.

Burgers, pies and sausages complete the line-up. As well as takeaway and home delivery, customers can also enjoy their meal on the premises.

Panchos previously had an eat-in option with a licensed bar until the pandemic, when a curtain was drawn across the space and it became used for storage.

Having benefited from the Mezza makeover, it now has an attractive 75-seater restaurant and outdoor terrace.

Having opened in 1976, it makes Panchos one of Nottingham’s longest running chippies, if not THE longest.

Panayiotis Solomonides, the first owner, was known as ‘Mr Pancho’. Oz said: “He was a great man. He used to sit in the restaurant wearing a hat with a big cigar.”

The chippy was taken over by Oz’s dad Ali in November 2001 and customers also called him Pancho, continuing the tradition.

After 14 months away, Oz has witnessed a huge jump in the price of fish, packaging, rates and energy costs. A box of cod, previously £135, has soared to £365, while the cost of haddock has almost doubled.

Despite this, he has tried to keep costs down as much as possible for customers. A regular-sized haddock and chips is £6 with large cod and chips £10. This time around opening hours have been reduced, from noon to 10pm.

Maria Solomonides is thrilled to see Panchos return 30 years after her father passed away. Her mum Kay, sister Helen, and brother Costas all used to work there with their dad.

“I sent them a good luck text. We’re on good terms with them. I have a shop in Sherwood and see them all the time.

“We had the shop for many, many years. People couldn’t say my dad’s Greek name when he first came to the UK when he was 16 years old so they started calling him Pancho.”