End of an era for town chippy

A CARMARTHEN institution has come to an end as a much-loved and popular chippy in the heart of the town was due to turn off the fryers and serve its last portion of chips in the run-up to Christmas.

- ROB HARRIES

Coracle Fish Bar, located in Lammas Street, has been run by the same family since 1992. Before that, it was run by different generations of the Williams family. All in all, it's been a Carmarthen chippy since the 1940s; before that it was a fruit and veg shop, and before that, a pub.

The people of Carmarthen love their chip shops, and everyone has a favourite. Many have come and gone over the years, and those who still long for Llangrannog Chip Shop on Water Street, Priory Street Chip Shop, or Y Gegin on Jackson's Lane, will no doubt feel a sense of sadness as another culinary landmark shuts up shop.

"It's something we've been thinking about for a while," said Neil James, who owns Coracle Fish Bar along with his wife Julie.

"My wife's parents, Peter and Valerie, took over the chip shop back in 1992 and we then took it over in 1993, so we've been running it for 32 years now.

"Our sons have worked here with us over the years but they are grownup, they have their own lives, so it's just time for us to move on.

"The cost of living has gone up so much in recent years. That's not the main reason we're selling up but it has been noticeable, it has made a difference.