KNIGHTS FISH RESTAURANT
Established 1909
Traditional
Fish & Chips
Since 1895 - Family Owned Since 1909
1895 - The beginning...
Not much is known about when exactly we opened our doors as a fish & chip shop, but census can confirm that Elizabeth Hockey was selling fried fish from her home address, (5 Northload Street) during 1895. Another census document shows living opposite the shop was Louisa Phillis (1st Generation Family Member.) At some point, Louisa, or 'Mary' as she preferred to be called began working with Mrs Hockey. Little is known about how long they were in partnership, as eventually, Mary was the sole proprietor. We believe due to the fact that fish & chips were still a very new concept in England the business had no name only a reputation.
1909 - Family Business!
Mary became the sole proprietor of the business sometime in the year 1909. Her daughter Louie Phillis, as traditional in those times, started working for her mother and later in 1931 inherited the business after her mothers death. Fish & chips is now a very established concept in England, and very popular. During her reign of the business, she married Frank Knight & we believe somewhere during this period Knights obtained its name. During their successes there were several highlights - Louie handmade some of the most renowned faggots in somerset. Customers would often line up with china dishes to stock up on faggots until the next visit! - That good!
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1939 and beyond...
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Life during wartime Britain was a bleak period, however, one famous fact remains - fish & chips kept us fighting fit. Unrationed and being a nutritious food meant it became a popular choice and the queues were long! We spent our free time collecting the fish with sack trucks from Glastonbury Train station or visiting army barracks to bargain for their waste frying oil.
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We refer to the account of William Knight (4th Generation) about his young life around fish & chips.
"My earliest recollection of our shop was during the war seeing a queue of men in uniform. I often used to fall asleep in an open cupboard on piles of newspapers ie wrapping paper at the end of our counter. The frying range was of course coal-fired and I remember at the end of each frying session my father carrying the glowing embers from the range on a shovel through our living quarters and letting it burn out in our domestic fire-grate."
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1992 - The Next Generation!
Son & Daughter of Louie Knight - Bill Knight & Iris Look (nee Knight)
Inherit the business and employ various members of their families to help maintain the highly successful and ever-increasing trade.
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During these years, queues would often go out the door and down the street! A testament to the awards the business also received during this period.
2009 - 100 years!
Daughter of Bill Knight, Charlotte Mitchell (nee Knight) and her husband Kevin Mitchell purchase the business and take-up the gauntlet. 100 years had just passed by and we certainly celebrated!After several years of working for Bill Knight, all the knowledge and information was passed down and the legacy was set to continue. Introducing a more modern menu, the business went from strength to strength. More family members became permanent fixtures in the foundation of the business, including the next generation. Winning our fish & chip quality award and maintaining it for several years was our first step into a more dedicated and sustainable approach to fish & chips.
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2014 - 2023
Charlotte son and daughter begin training in business management and frying, ensuring a long-term future for the business. By the 108th year, four family members are actively running the shop, preserving their great-great-grandmother’s legacy. Knights achieves national acclaim, entering the Top 20 Fish & Chip Restaurants in 2019, and then the Top 10 in 2020 and 2022.
In early 2023 we had a shop refit and replaced our 30-year-old frying range for a very modern and efficient kiremko frying range! We are now able to cater for all diets and most allergies!
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2024 - A Triumph
In 2024, Knights achieved what had long been a dream, claiming the coveted title of Fish and Chip Restaurant of the Year. After years of dedication, innovation, and recognition as one of the top 10 Fish & Chip Restaurants in 2022 and 2023, this victory was not just an accolade—it was a testament to over a century of passion, hard work, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Knights earned this honor through an extraordinary blend of qualities. Their deep commitment to sustainability, setting benchmarks for environmental responsibility, stood out as a cornerstone of their success. Their profound knowledge of the fish and chip industry, honed over decades, showcased their mastery and leadership. Their unwavering dedication to customer service made every visitor feel valued and part of the Knights family. And, above all, their rich history—established in 1909—solidified their place as a beloved community institution, blending time-honored tradition with modern brilliance.
Winning this award is more than recognition; it represents the heart of what Knights stands for. The National Fish and Chip Awards are a rigorous celebration of excellence, testing restaurants through interviews, mystery visits, and skills assessments. For Knights, it is a symbol of their commitment to quality, sustainability, and making a meaningful impact on the community they’ve called home for generations.
This triumph marks not the end but a new chapter in their legacy, as Knights continues to honor its heritage while striving toward a future of innovation and care.
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THE FUTURE...
Knights plans to build on its legacy with a forward-thinking approach to innovation, sustainability, and community engagement. Future goals include:
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Expanding the Menu: Introducing more plant-based and allergen-friendly options to cater to evolving dietary trends while maintaining traditional favorites.
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Sustainability Leadership: Partnering with local suppliers and sustainability organizations to achieve carbon neutrality and lead the fish and chip industry in eco-friendly practices.
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Community Outreach: Launching initiatives such as workshops, school programs, and charity events to educate and inspire the next generation about sustainable food practices and the heritage of fish and chips.
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Technology Integration: Utilizing cutting-edge technology to enhance customer experiences, from online ordering to efficient kitchen operations.
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Training the 6th Generation: Continuing to mentor the next generation of family members, ensuring Knights remains a family-owned and operated business for years to come.
Knights is committed to remaining a beloved cornerstone of the community, blending tradition with innovation to serve the best fish and chips for generations to come.