Walmer Fish & Chips

Established in March 1997, the business was built on generations of experience and a passion for quality food. Today, that tradition continues under the stewardship of siblings Giancarlo and Carolina, who grew up working alongside their parents in the shop and now proudly lead the family business into its next chapter.

An Italian Family Tradition

The story of The Walmer Fish & Chips is rooted in a long-standing connection between Italian families and the fish and chips trade. Throughout the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, many Italian families settled across the United Kingdom and Ireland, bringing with them a strong entrepreneurial spirit. While some opened cafés and ice cream parlours, many became renowned for serving fish and chips, establishing a tradition that continues to this day.

Our family's connection to the trade spans three generations.

Giancarlo and Carolina's mother, Luisa, learned the craft in her father's fish and chip shop, the Fingal Café in Swords, County Dublin, where she developed the skills and values that would later shape The Walmer Fish & Chips.

After spending several years in Italy, Luisa met and married Carlo. Together they settled in the beautiful seaside town of Deal, Kent, where they realised their dream of opening a family business of their own.

Roots in Casalattico, Central Italy

Our family’s story traces back to the small mountain village of Casalattico in central Italy. Like many families from this region, ours became part of a wider migration that brought Italian craftsmanship and food traditions to the United Kingdom.

Casalattico has a unique and proud connection to the fish and chips trade in Britain. Over generations, families from the village established themselves in coastal towns across the UK, opening shops that helped shape the reputation of traditional fish and chips as we know it today.

This shared heritage is celebrated every year through a local fish and chips festival in the village, honouring the strong cultural link between Casalattico and the British seaside food tradition.

The village is also historically known as the birthplace of influential figures such as the hotelier Charles Forte, reflecting its long-standing tradition of entrepreneurship and hospitality.

A Part of Walmer Since 1997

The Walmer Fish & Chips first opened its doors in March 1997 and has been serving residents and visitors ever since.

Many local residents still remember the business by its former name, Papas Fish & Chips, a reminder of the shop's long-standing place within the community.

The name "Walmer" comes from nearby Walmer Green, the picturesque open space opposite the shop which hosts community events, concerts, fairs and gatherings throughout the year.

The building itself has a history of its own. Before becoming a fish and chip shop, it operated as a greengrocer's, and prior to that formed part of the Victorian streetscape that still characterises much of the local area today.

Tradition, Quality & Community

Whether you're a lifelong local, a visitor exploring the Kent coastline, or simply passing through, we look forward to welcoming you.

From our family to yours — thank you for being part of our story.