Wetherby Whaler couple return to Tadcaster shop

A successful and popular fish and chip shop has returned to the town where it all started.

Janine and Phillip Murphy launched their highly popular and successful Wetherby Whaler business in Tadcaster’s Stutton Road and they have returned 32 years later.

On the return, Caroline Murphy and Joanne Westmoreland, daughters of Janine and Phillip and Directors at The Wetherby Whaler, said: “We’re really proud to be returning to our Tadcaster roots; it feels as though we’ve come full circle.

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“The response from the people of Tadcaster has been really positive, and residents are extremely excited to have their very own Whaler for the first time.

“We spent many happy times working on the counter with our mum and dad over 30 years ago, and it’s great to see so many Tadcaster residents enjoying fish and chips at Stutton Road.”

Founded in 1969 by Janine and Phillip Murphy, the family owned group of fish and chip restaurants and takeaways now employs over 200 full and part-time staff across seven locations in Yorkshire.

Originally bought by Janine and Phillip from his Uncle and Aunt, the couple ran the Stutton Road premises until 1989 when it was sold to Ray and Rose Devaney to enable the purchase of the first Whaler premises in Wetherby.

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Ray and Rose ran the business until their retirement in November 2020 and Janine and Phillip bought it back.

The premises have been fully refurbished, including a new range from Hopkins, based in Pudsey, to replace the original range installed in 1985. Leeds-based Chippendale Shopfitters, completed the refurbishment.

Phillip added: “I’m so proud to see my family involved in keeping The Whaler a household name across Yorkshire and ensuring we continue to provide the public with delicious fish and chips.

“Although our involvement has lessened over the years, myself and Janine’s washing up talents have certainly been put to good use since reopening in Tadcaster.”

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The Wetherby Whaler has received numerous awards including the National Federation of Fish Friers Quality Accreditation, and in 2020 were winners at the National Fish and Chip Awards in London.

Customers can ‘click and collect’ from the Stutton Road branch. which has longer opening hours.