The Deep Sea restaurant, a Dundee institution for more than 75 years, has served up its last supper.
Hungry diners queued out the door on Thursday for their final chance to sample the Nethergate chipper’s famous fried fare as the Sterpaio family hung up their aprons for the last time.
Owners Raymond Sterpaio, 71, his brother Lawrence, 66, and wife Dorothy, 62, have called time on the family business to enjoy a well-earned retirement.
New owner Gordon Spink will open a Tailend-themed restaurant there in the spring of next year following a £200,000 refurbishment.
Lawrence said it had been an “adrenaline-fuelled” day.
He added: “We’ve been incredibly busy. I’ve been here for 51 years and it hasn’t been this busy in a long time.
“It’s been harder these last few years, people have more choice now. But we must be doing something right.
“It reminds me of the glory days in the early ’60s, when these two weeks were the holiday weeks. People would want fish. We’d serve thousands of fish and chips to Dundee people on holiday from the factories.”
Dorothy said: “I’ve been very emotional, but I haven’t cried today. It’s been very emotional but I’m looking forward to my retirement. I’ve got grandchildren to look after now.”
Family and friends commemorated the occasion yesterday evening, with James Carter having the honour of being the last customer.
As he tucked into the last fish served at the chip shop, he said: “It’s as good as the best nice, crispy, very fresh.”
Four generations of the family were there to watch the final fish go into the fryer, and serve the still-satisfied customers their piece of history.
Raymond and Lawrence’s dad Bruno opened the original Deep Sea in 1937. The shop expanded in 1953 to include table service before relocating a few yards across the road in 1966.
The restaurant also holds a special place in the hearts of two of Thursday’s diners Sandy Joiner, 61, and his wife Jean, 58.
Sandy said: “I helped put the bar in here when I was doing my apprenticeship. But the real reason that we keep coming back is that I proposed to Jean here in 1974.
“There’s just a great something to it. It is a sad event, I’ve got great memories of coming here, obviously. I’ll really miss the fish supper.”
Coire Bottomer, 26, said: “I work next door and come here almost every day. I’ve been coming all my life but I love Dot’s take-away menu. I’ll be very sad to see them go.”
Over the years the Deep Sea’s customers have included famous actors appearing in the city, including Joanna Lumley, Sir Sean Connery and Richard Todd.
Waitress Anna Stewart, 62, who has worked in the restaurant for 22 years, said the restaurant’s closure would also mark her retirement.
She said: “A lot of people have come down for their last supper today because they have so many happy memories.
”My abiding memory will be the customers and staff over the years, I’ll really miss them.
“It means a lot to so many people. We have generations of families coming through the door, from grandparents down to kids.
“When I first started here, I realised I was working somewhere special.”