Former Caprice Holdings CEO opens fish and chip shop

The former chief executive of Caprice Holdings, Des McDonald, has announced he is to launch his first solo venture next month.

The Fish & Chip Shop will open in June on Upper Street in Islington, north London, and serve only sustainable fresh fish that is approved by the Marine Conservation Society (MSC). Varieties will include a selection of line- and hook- caught cod, plaice, haddock and pollock delivered daily from Brixham, which will then be grilled or fried in the Fish & Chip Shop's own recipe batter, made with local Camden beer.

Hand cut chips, mushy peas, Jersey royals, pickles and fritters will also be on the menu, as will a seafood bar including Dorset rock oysters and scallops and other mains such as fish pie, fish curry and signature ‘butties' of fish fingers with duck egg or lobster bridge roll.

However, this will be no ordinary chippy, as, although there will be a take-away option, McDonald's team for the 60-seater restaurant includes Lee Bull, former head chef of Le Caprice in the role of executive chef and Tower Isho, ex-general manager of J Sheekey as operations manager.

McDonald said: "In January last year I made the decision to set up my own business, to create and develop my own restaurants. The Fish & Chip Shop is the first of these, and I am excited to be working with a first class team to produce the finest sustainable fish and chips in London, with a posh twist."