A swanky new chippy has officially opened in Whitehaven Town Centre, and their customers couldn't be more pleased.

While Heavenly Fish and Chips, on Market Place, treated the town to the gift of opening their doors just before New Year, owners Tony Smith and Rosamond Blaney held their grand opening on Monday (January 6).

The couple took over the former Whitehaven Fish Bar in 2019, and have fully refurbished the shop inside and out, with fresh new uniforms put together by West Lakes Embroidery.

And along with a roomful of balloons and smiles, customers were excited to spot a 'grand opening cake', made by impressive baker Ann Hoskings.

As with the eagerly-awaited chippy was declared open, the people of Whitehaven flocked to get a slice of the action – and the specially-made cake.

"Even though the weather was a bit of a dampener, the staff said it was still a better Monday than others, and than we expected," co-owner Tony said.

"The response has been tremendous – we had people come from Shap Chippy to try our food, and staff from Paolo's in Carlisle came as well and said our fish and chips were great, which was really nice!"

The duo have been on the edge of their seats waiting to open their Market Place-based haven of fried treats, and are thrilled with how well both the soft and official openings went.

And as the pair have been in the chippy industry for a while, Tony is confident they know what they're doing – "touch wood!"

He added: "Thanks to everyone for all the support – it's been so great and we really appreciate it."

The shop is open from 11am until 8pm six days a week, so make sure to pop in for your daily dose of fish and chicken, and follow Heavenly Fish and Chicken's journey on their Facebook page.