BBC Radio Somerset Highlights the Fish and Chip Industry: Mel Everett’s Challenge Expands to Knights Fish Restaurant
Over the past few days, BBC Radio Somerset’s Charlie Taylor Breakfast Show has given significant coverage to the fish and chip industry, along with a fun new segment featuring colleague Mel Everett. The light-hearted feature, called “Hi I’m Mel,” emerged after Mel humorously claimed on air that she could win an “Olympic Gold Medal” in sandwich making. This sparked a series of behind-the-scenes visits to local businesses, where Mel has been honing her skills and exploring various industries.
Having already tried her hand at sandwich making, estate agency, and farming, Mel took on her next challenge—fish and chips. During Tuesday’s live broadcast, host Charlie introduced her to Kevin Mitchell, the owner of a mystery business. Kevin provided Mel with three riddles that eventually led her to discover he was from Knights Fish Restaurant, an award-winning establishment in Glastonbury.
Mel visited Knights Fish Restaurant, where she was welcomed by head frier George Morey, a fifth-generation family member of the business, which has been serving Glastonbury for over 115 years. Mel was impressed by the amount of technology used in the kitchen, including a five-pan range and various specialised equipment that helps the restaurant cater to diverse dietary needs, including gluten-free and vegetarian options.
Though Mel, a vegetarian, confessed her love for traditional “scraps” (or “Scrumps” as they’re known in the West Country), she stepped out of her comfort zone to fry haddock and finish off some chips. George remarked on the physicality required for the job, humorously advising Mel to “work on her arms” but complimenting her potential as a fryer.
Knights Fish Restaurant has earned widespread recognition, recently winning the prestigious Restaurant of the Year title at the National Fish and Chip Awards 2024. Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers, praised the restaurant’s long-standing heritage and its ability to modernise while maintaining high standards.
Andrew said: “It is fantastic to see knights go from strength to strength and, as a business with such a long heritage, they have kept true to their roots whilst adding new technology to improve their operation and the consistency of their food. They are this year’s winners, but I am sure they will be ambassadors for the fish and chip industry for many years to come. ”
Mel’s fish and chip adventure added yet another layer to her quest to find her perfect fit in local businesses.
Main Image : Mel from BBC Somerset Sound helping George to fry during lunchtime service