A much-loved family run business in Weymouth is set to close after nearly 40 years. 

Broadwey Fish and Chip Shop on Dorchester Road will close its doors for the last time tomorrow after 39 years of service. 

Owner Barbara Mullins, 69, who opened the shop with her late husband Donald in 1978, decided the time had come to retire.

She said: “When we came here we had two children, one cat and one dog. Now I’ve got six grandchildren, four dogs, a cat and rabbits. 

“In 1978 when we opened, cod cost 35p and chips cost 17p. 

“It’s been lovely, it’s my social life. Our customers have been so good. Some said they would drive past four other chip shops to come to us.

"We have customers who live in Chickerell but they come to us because they love it."

After Donald died in July last year, Barbara kept the business going with her daughter Julie. 
She said: “I do the waffling and she does the paperwork. People have been very supportive.”

To mark the closing of the shop and its adjoining salon, there will be two charity evening services on December 22 and finally tomorrow, December 23. 

Cod, chips, sausages and fishcakes will be sold at the same price as they were in 1978, and money raised will go towards an array of local charities. 

Barbara said: “Our two main charities are the Upwey Society, who do an awful lot for the community, and an animal welfare charity. We will also have a list of charities including Blue Cross, PDSA, Rushton Dog Rescue and PAWS, and people can pull one out of a hat.

"We will also have cakes next door in the salon for anyone who doesn't want fish and chips."

Broadwey Fish and Chips advertised its notice of retirement at the end of November, which has been met with sadness from many customers.

Julie said following the closure, they will look to lease out the fish and chip shop, while the salon will re-open to offer a dog grooming service. 

The shop's opening hours will continue to be 5pm until 9pm Monday to Saturday with the usual Friday lunchtime service.

The final services will be between 5 and 9pm on December 22 and 23.