A FAMILY chippy is celebrating its first anniversary in the town by raising money for a local homeless charity.
Saltwaters Fish and Chip Restaurant will be donating all gratuities given by customers this month to The Bridge Trust and will double the total with their own donation.
The Osman family business moved into their High Street premises in February 2016, after spending the last 50 years in various locations throughout London.
In 1961, Mr Osman, a Turkish mathematics student took a four month trip to London. After discovering the popularity of the staple English dish he opened his first shop – also named Saltwaters – in East Ham.
By 1965, he had opened two more restaurants in East London, but by the 1980s he got married and started a family, moving into the more luxurious residence of Belgravia and Chelsea.
It was there he opened his most renowned shop, Friars Inn Fish and Chip Restaurant, just around the corner from Buckingham Palace.
But in 2016, the family decided to move outside of London, pinpointing Tonbridge as the ideal location.
Manager, Ellie Osman, said: “Running a business in the heart of the West End is different to the suburbs. But, as a family run operation, the essence of the business is the same.”
Brother Oz is head chef and fish fryer, while sister Kezi also helps with business management. After a successful first year they are set to launch their new delivery service in March.
On the subject of the anniversary fundraising, Ms Osman said: “We wanted to give back to the community.
“The Bridge Trust do great things for those who are less fortunate. Nearly everyone we talk to is aware of them which is really encouraging.”
