Harry Ramsden moves into pub market

HARRY Ramsden’s, the well known fish and chip restaurant chain, has teamed up with the pub group Punch Taverns in an overall growth plan.
The Harry Ramsden brand and its famous fish and chips have been brought to the Wingerworth, a classic dining pub in Chesterfield.
The partnership will see Harry Ramsden’s take over the day-to-day operations of the pub, which has relaunched as Harry Ramsden’s at the Wingerworth.
The pub has undergone a refurbishment as part of the deal with Punch – which still owns the premises – with fish and chips to be accompanied on the menu by more pub-friendly fare, including steaks and Sunday roasts. As well as lunch and dinner, the pub will also serve breakfast and afternoon tea.
The move is the latest in a series of developments by the Harry Ramsden chain which also includes the traditional restaurant and takeaway businesses.
CEO Joe Teixeira said: ‘The classic Harry Ramsden’s model is perfectly suited to the outlets we currently operate.
‘We are, however, taking advantage of our entrance into a new market and believe this presents the perfect opportunity to evolve the brand and further extend the modern day face of Harry’s to a new generation of customers.’
He said he also expected further expansion within the licensed or pub trade as part of a wider growth plan.
‘As the brand grows at an ambitious but measured pace, we have an extremely experienced team in place to ensure that our goals are realised.’
The first Harry Ramsden restaurant opened in Guiseley, West Yorkshire, in 1928. The founder of the same name died in 1963. In recent years the firm has expanded well beyond its original Yorkshire heartland. It is now owned by Boparan Ventures, which also has a fish processing operation in Grimsby.