Dear LPG

How many times have we been told that ‘fast food’ is not the best way forward when it comes to a healthy balanced diet?

McDonald’s,  Berger King and such other fast food restaurants are places that we older people tend to shy away from especially as we hear more and more about the statistics surrounding obesity in this country, but even though the term ‘fast food’ was only coined in the 1950s, we have had its equivalent for a lot longer.

Apparently our national dish of fish and chips was regarded as the fast food of a century ago, which is when fish and chip shops first started to appear throughout the country, and it was in the United Kingdom, in fact, that Harry Ramsdens first ever shop opened on this day in 1828.  They even have a governing body, the Federation of Fish Fryers. 

Over the years the newspaper wrapping has disappeared, and we are encouraged not to use as much salt as we once did, but there is still something special for me about popping off to one of the remaining purveyors of this British national tradition, bringing it home, unwrapping it, adding a little seasoning, something pickled and some vinegar and settling down in front of the telly before getting stuck in.

The fat is not that good for you and it is now argued that thicker chips have less oil on them, but as fast food goes, I have to say that oven chips and baked fish are just not the same, so I will be tucking into my plate of one of the older fast foods again on Friday night and hope that you enjoy yours.

KY, Forest Hill

LPG has found a few facts for you and also a map of local shops in your area

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