Cafe in New St Stevenston 1960s/1970s

[bonzo]

It was Freddie Frews chip van that came round the dug track in the 70s.

[5siamese7]

Remember that old bus. However I would suggest that in Stinstin the most famous chippy van was Freddie Frew's the " Frying Scotsman."

[Meg]

Folk came from all over to savour this delight.
His secret recipe was that he put beer in the batter. Simple times.

Made me chuckle there Billy.

But you've been listening to far too many old wife's tale's.

Actually Bill is correct - beer being added to batter for fish was common amongst the Italian families. It's actually called "beer battered fish" in up-market restaurants now.

[Vinegarjoe]

Remember the chip van well. used to park up outside the "Wee Store" in Ardoch Crescent. Fantastic on a cold night!!!

[michaelm]

Actually Bill is correct - beer being added to batter for fish was common amongst the Italian families. It's actually called "beer battered fish" in up-market restaurants now.

Apologies, I stand corrected Bill and Meg.
Must admit I'd never heard of folk doing this and that's probably why I thought it to be a bit of a myth.

[5siamese7]

The thing is Michael it makes for a very light batter probably because of the yeast.

[Meg]

The thing is Michael it makes for a very light batter probably because of the yeast.

Nor sure Bill, but I know that Japanese tempura batter is made with icy cold soda water so always thought it was the bubbles, but it might be the yeast for the beer batter.

[5siamese7]

Meg, when he would mix up his batter and add the beer and left it in a warm room the yeast in the beer would rise and aerate the batter hence the bubbles. Your putting me in the mood for a fish supper.

[michaelm]

Still a wee bit of topic here, but I suppose the question left now is why none of the other reputable local 'Chippies' knew of this secret ingredient.
And I'd have thought the beer would initially have been added as more of a taste enhancer.

[5siamese7]

Because it was a secret.

[Hughie]

Back on topic please.

[stivis]

Reid whose shop was at the corner of Glebe street whose fish suppers were superb

Reids Chip shop was owned by Alan Mann, but it was still called Reid's,
Mrs.Mann owned the Ironmongers in New Street , think her name was Jenny Mann
Alan Mann worked in ICI and did the Chip Shop in the evenings

There was a Ferguson's cafe , which might have evolved into Richard Park cafe, I'm certain that was next door to Mrs.Newall the Chemist