'I'm serving battered pigs in blankets at my Birmingham chip shop - they're banger on for Christmas'

When it comes to Christmas fare, one Birmingham chippie has it covered by offering customers battered pigs in blankets.

And the treats, served bathed in gravy, are banger on, says Chris Christoforou, boss of the Hollywood Fish Bar, close to Wythall. They are set to be the pork of the town this Christmas, the 43-year-old insists.

Chris will begin serving the calorie-rich Crimbo treats this weekend, with punters paying £2.50 for a portion. “They’re really a side order,” he said. “I’m not sure yet what they’re a side order with.” Battered turkey isn’t yet on the fish bar’s menu.

“I’m thinking of calling the dish, ‘A Little Bit of Christmas’,” Chris, who’s run the business for 18 years, said. “They are delicious. I’ve tested them out on my family and they loved them.”

For batter or worse, Chris is a man who believes almost every dish benefits from a dip in the fryer. In the past, he’s battered Cadbury’s Crème Eggs, Mars Bars and even served heart-shaped scallops on Valentine’s Day.

Forget candlelit meals, there’s nothing that shows your undying affection like a battered scallop. His previous Christmas brainwave was a festive sandwich – pretty much an entire festive dinner wrapped in batter. That was a bit too rich for regulars.

But he believes pigs in blankets will outsell them all. Chris added: “They are delicious – and the perfect snack after a Christmas night out. I think this is the best idea yet.”

The proof, however, is in the pudding. And it can only be a matter of time before Chris bungs one of them in the fryer, too.