In November 2018, Stelios Theocharous, the founder of Ceres | Pure Food Innovation (and someone who occasionally finds his keys on the first try), launched the Ceres Podcast. This groundbreaking platform has now become a gathering spot for like-minded co-hosts: • Mark Petrou, Petrou Bros • Kelly Barnes, Krispies • David Nicolaou, Auckley Friery • David Miller, Millers Fish & Chips Together, they embark on insightful conversations with the movers and shakers of the Food & Hospitality industry ...
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The Podsquad is back—minus Kelly Barnes (physio duties!)—to unpack a long list of hot topics in fish & chips and hospitality: The 7p fish & chip giveaway at Harry Ramsden’s: smart stunt or just chaos? What makes Chez Fred such a standout (and why it’s not about location) The never-ending VAT campaign—time for a reality check? Why fish & chips offer…
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#215: Lorraine Arnold’s Bold Leap into Fish and Chips
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1:23:55Lorraine Arnold swapped the stage for the seafront and built one of Devon’s standout fish and chip businesses from scratch. In this episode, she joins Kelly Barnes to share the raw, unfiltered story of how she overcame financial ruin, a devastating fire, and lockdown chaos to create Pier Point Restaurant & Bar. It’s a must-listen for anyone in hosp…
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#214: Podsquad - From Stock Stress to Staff Success
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2:06:55Good Friday highs and lows, bold ideas for National Fish & Chip Day 2025, staff training truths, and a frank look at the challenges facing fish and chip shops—from spud bruising to frozen-at-sea fish supply issues. No fluff—just real operators talking shop. Join the Ceres Whatsapp Group -> https://bit.ly/CERESWA Download your FREE copy of the Fish …
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#213: The Story Behind BD Signs – Barry Dickman Gets Candid
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1:15:01In this episode of The Ceres Podcast, Mark Petrou sits down with Barry Dickman, founder of BD Signs, to explore the incredible journey from growing up above a chip shop to becoming one of the most influential figures in fish and chip branding. Barry shares candid stories of resilience, building a business from scratch (twice), and why he believes f…
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#212: Why Y-Pas? The Quiet Brilliance of Brent Watson’s Y-Pas Chippy
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1:41:23In this heartwarming and brutally honest episode, Mark Petrou is joined by Brent Watson of Y-Pas Chippy in Kexborough, Barnsley. Brent shares his journey from growing up around the coal pits and pigeon lofts of Yorkshire to running one of the most beloved independent chip shops in the region. Discover how a derelict hut became a local institution, …
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#211: How Graham Kennedy Built a Mini-Empire in Durham
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1:43:21Graham Kennedy of Bells Fish & Chips joins Stelios to share his journey. They talk about resilience, community, economic pressures, and a personal loss that changed everything—packed with honesty, insight, and lessons for anyone in hospitality. Join the Ceres Whatsapp Group -> https://bit.ly/CERESWA Download your FREE copy of the Fish & Tips E-Book…
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#210 – Jo Hage & Lynda Simmons: Building the Buzz Around National Fish and Chips Day
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1:11:05Stelios chats with Jo Hage and Lynda Simmons about 10 years of National Fish and Chip Day, NEODA’s behind-the-scenes work, industry challenges, and why this annual celebration is more than just a day—it’s a powerful platform for the trade. Join the Ceres Whatsapp Group -> https://bit.ly/CERESWA Download your FREE copy of the Fish & Tips E-Book and …
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#209: George Morey on preserving 116 Years of Tradition at Knights Fish Restaurant
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1:12:48George Morey of Knights Fish Restaurant joins Kelly Barnes to share how he took his 116-year-old family business to award-winning success. From fish trays to fresh ideas, it’s a story of legacy, innovation, and love for fish and chips. Join the Ceres Whatsapp Group -> https://bit.ly/CERESWA Download your FREE copy of the Fish & Tips E-Book and boos…
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#208: The Real Cost of Automation – McDonald’s AI, Greggs’ Slump & Domino’s Digital Domination
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1:39:33Stelios and David explore AI in fast food, Greggs’ sales slump, Domino’s digital edge, the plant-based backlash, and why data matters—a must-listen for hospitality pros navigating tech, trends, and tough choices. Join the Ceres Whatsapp Group -> https://bit.ly/CERESWA Download your FREE copy of the Fish & Tips E-Book and boost your business today. …
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#207: From Derelict Diner to Highland Hero – The Story of The Real Food Cafe with Sarah Heward
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1:10:57In this episode, Kelly Barnes sits down with Sarah Heward, the inspiring founder of The Real Food Cafe—an award-winning roadside diner, chippy, and cafe on Scotland's scenic A82. Sarah shares how she transformed a derelict Little Chef into a thriving business serving travellers, locals, and adventurers alike. From running a year-round operation in …
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#206 The Future of Fish & Chips: Value, Awards & Industry Challenges
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1:44:57Is the fish and chip industry shifting its focus in the right direction? Stelios Theocharous is joined by industry leaders Mark Petrou, David Nicolaou, Kelly Barnes, and David Miller to discuss the Fish & Chip Awards, the importance of value over price, and whether Seafish is doing enough to support the sector. They also tackle the idea of standard…
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#205 - The Lee Family Recipe for Success in Fish & Chips
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1:29:23How do you build a thriving fish and chip business that spans generations? In this episode, Mark Petrou sits down with Shane, John Henry, and Sonny Lee to explore their incredible journey in the fish and chip industry. From Shane’s early days as a 14-year-old “spud boy” to growing a multi-shop empire, this conversation is packed with business lesso…
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#204 – How Yarm Road Fish & Chips Won Takeaway of the Year 2025
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1:12:31What does it take to run the UK’s best fish and chip shop? In this episode of The Ceres Podcast, host Mark Petrou sits down with Will Burrell of Yarm Road Fish & Chips, fresh off winning Takeaway of the Year at the National Fish & Chip Awards 2025. Will shares his journey—from growing up in a family-run chippy to taking the leap and opening his own…
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#203 - Lance Forman: The Smoked Salmon King on Business, Brexit & Battling Challenges
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1:20:05What does it take to run a fourth-generation business while standing firm on tradition, politics, and economic challenges? Lance Forman, owner of H. Forman & Son, joins me to talk about the legacy of London’s oldest smoked salmon producer, the farmed vs. wild salmon debate, Brexit’s impact on business, and customer reactions to global events. A bol…
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#202: Bobby Joyce on Frozen-at-Sea Fish, Rising Prices & Industry Survival
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1:42:48In this Masterclass Interview, we sit down with Bobby Joyce from Smales to discuss the real impact of shrinking fish quotas, rising prices, and supply chain pressures on the fish & chip industry. Fish & chip shop owners are feeling the pressure—fish prices are rising, supply chains are tightening, and businesses are struggling to stay profitable. I…
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#201 - From Fish Fryers to Viral Fame: Pricing, Social Media & The Future of Fish & Chips with Antony Akathiotis
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2:01:47In this episode of The Ceres Podcast, Stelios Theocharous sits down with Antony Akathiotis, owner of Merchants Fish Bar in Bewdley & Halesowen, for a no-holds-barred conversation about running a successful fish & chip shop in today’s market. They dive into pricing strategies that too many shops are getting wrong, how to use smart calculations to pr…
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#200: Mark Petrou & Ryan Hughes – How Ryan Hughes Turned Struggle into Success
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1:25:16Ryan Hughes went from washing dishes at 14 to running the UK’s best fish & chip shop in 2024. In this episode, he spills the secrets behind his rise, the game-changing moment during COVID-19, and how winning Fish & Chip Shop of the Year turned his business upside down (in the best way). Hard work, resilience, and a few surprises—don’t miss this one…
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