XIII Oceans

It was never the intention, following my rescue at the hands of ‘The Pride Of Bridlington’, to commence with a search for good quality fish and chip shops. My tastebuds had been spoiled by the unsuspected seduction I encountered and disillusionment returned as confinement to the Haydock led me to staying away from my local chippies. Of course I’d go occasionally hoping to feel the way I once did during the new potatoes golden era of Blackbrook Supper Bar, only to be reminded that even on top form I was comparing The Kaiser Chiefs with The Stone Roses.

This continuing lack of expectation was allowed to meander beyond crisis as I toured around the surrounding areas for hours trying to find a chip shop that was above average. It’s not that there aren’t good, solid chip shops in the area because I’ve eaten in a couple but like many the consistency isn’t there and often, even at their best, they’re still a good league or two behind.

So I’d more or less given up. I posted a topic on a messageboard and just figured that that was it. If I was in the Bridlington area again I would be able to save this increasingly loveless marriage and until then it would be a resigned copulation once a month at home to maintain the relationship.

Fortunately, time moved on, a new job came up and a colleague mentioned in passing and without provocation that near one of the sites in Leeds there was a great chippy in the local town. Revolution! Was this a fanatic in my midst? Could we be Maquisards together? My conversation that followed, filled with enthusiasm for ‘The Pride Of Bridlington’ betrayed my obsession for that experience and highlighted that I was a few steps beyond sane on this matter. However, the topic kept the chatter going and I decided to see for myself if this chip shop was as good as was being suggested and therein lies the birth of the importance of fish and chips and this blog.