Headmaster who runs his own chip shop is in line for prestigious award

2022-10-25

Top marks! Headmaster who runs his own chip shop is in line for prestigious award

Lee Humphreys, 44, is the head-teacher of a comprehensive school by day
But by night, the teacher dubbed Mr Chips works in his own fish and chip shop
Shop was nominated for Takeaway of the Year at National Fish and Chip Awards
Father-of-two opened Fish Kitchen 1854 in Maesycwmmer, South Wales, in 2018

It’s an unconventional sideline which has seen pupils dub him Mr Chips.

By day, Lee Humphreys is the head-teacher of a comprehensive school. But by night, the 44-year-old dons an apron to work in his own fish and chip shop.

And his business has now been nominated for Takeaway of the Year at The National Fish and Chip Awards.

The father-of-two opened Fish Kitchen 1854 in Maesycwmmer, South Wales, in 2018 after spotting a former Chinese takeaway was up for auction.

Head-teacher Lee Humphreys (pictured) dons an apron to work in his own fish and chip shop by night

Fish Kitchen 1854 has now been nominated for Takeaway of the Year at The National Fish and Chip Awards. Pictured Mr Humphreys and his wife Samantha outside the shop

After a three-day course with the National Federation of Fish Fryers, he was soon behind the counter until 10pm every night.

He insists the unlikely moonlighting arrangement suits his day job at Pencoedtre High School in Barry, as it has helped him connect with the 1,300 pupils.

‘The pupils are intrigued,’ he said. ‘It’s strange for them to see the headmaster battering fish on a Friday.’

Fish Kitchen 1854 is one of 20 takeaways around Britain in contention to be named the country’s favourite next February.

Mr Humphreys admits he underestimated how tough it would be working two jobs at once when he was in the takeaway every evening.

‘That nearly killed me and I lost three stone,’ he said.

But the persistence paid off – not least with the help of wife Samantha, a classical singer who took over running the shop day-to-day during the Covid pandemic.

Fish Kitchen 1854 is one of 20 takeaways around Britain in contention to be named the country’s favourite next February

They now employ experienced staff, and off unusual menu items -–during the last Six Nations rugby tournament, they served frogs’ legs when Wales played France, and mackerel when they faced the Scots.

Customers now travel from far afield and queue around the block, with a second takeaway now open in nearby Bargoed.

‘It’s busy but I would not have it any other way,’ he said. The kids think I’m crazy.’

As unusual as the arrangement is, Mr Humphreys says the work ethic and skills are closer than they would first appear.

‘Being a headteacher is a privilege and I love my job as a headteacher,’ he said.

‘I am lucky to also have this opportunity. I never expected it to be as successful as it is.’ National Federation of Fish Friers president Andrew Crook said while he had never heard of a headmaster running his own fish and chip shop, ‘we get people from all walks of life’.

‘Chip shops seem to attract big characters,’ he added.

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