The Harborne fish and chip shop with wine pairing experts

A new ‘world-class’ fish and chip and seafood restaurant has opened in Harborne.
Fish and chip shop in Harborne is pairing wine, gin and beer with fish and chipsFish and chip shop in Harborne is pairing wine, gin and beer with fish and chips
Fish and chip shop in Harborne is pairing wine, gin and beer with fish and chips

An award-winning fish and chip shop offering fine wine and other drink pairing advice for diners has opened in Harborne.

The Cod’s Scallops opened its doors on Harborne High Street in September, and eat-in diners can enjoy a wide range of fine wines, gins, beers and cocktails with their meals and the shop’s team will be on hand to suggest the best pairings with their chosen order.

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A new 40-cover Harborne fish and chip and seafood restaurant and takeaway located next to Boots on the High Street.

The multi-award-winning fish and chip restaurant concept won the highly coveted ‘Best Fish and Chip shop of the Year’ at The National Fish and Chips Awards 2020, and with 11,000 fish and chip shops across the UK, it’s the highest accolade in the industry.

The Harborne venture is the brand’s fifth restaurant and is another addition to the area’s vibrant food and drink scene.

The Cod’s Scallops, John Molnar, has more than 30 years of culinary expertise as a chefThe Cod’s Scallops, John Molnar, has more than 30 years of culinary expertise as a chef
The Cod’s Scallops, John Molnar, has more than 30 years of culinary expertise as a chef

Creating world-class fish and chips

The Nottingham-based brand was developed by owner and chef John Molnar in 2011, who used his 30-year culinary expertise as a chef to showcase a wide selection of fish and seafood that the UK coast has to offer.

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After travelling the length and breadth of the country and spending time learning how to recreate Britain’s most treasured dish, he created his own version.

John said: “Harborne is exactly the right place for The Cod’s Scallops and my wife Helen and I couldn’t be more excited to be bringing our unique offer to the High Street and getting to know the local community.

“We have been looking for the right site in Birmingham for some time. We love the city and its surrounding areas and when my property consultant at Box Property showed me the site in Harborne, it ticked all the boxes.

“From its buzzing High Street with its strong retail and leisure offer and the great community feel, we are really looking forward to being a part of it.

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“The Cod’s Scallops serve the best fish being caught around our isles in a fun and family friendly setting and we offer a huge selection of fish and shellfish which changes daily depending on what comes off the boat.

“Each of our restaurants differ in interiors but Harborne can expect something special. Aside from stylish and comfortable interiors, guests can enjoy fine shellfish with a chilled class of Picpoul de Pinet or our much-loved haddock, chips and peas, cooked to perfection with a cup of English Breakfast tea. The Cod’s Scallops really has something for everyone and for every occasion.”

The restaurant serves over 20 species of fish and shellfish dailyThe restaurant serves over 20 species of fish and shellfish daily
The restaurant serves over 20 species of fish and shellfish daily

Serving over 20 species of fish and shellfish daily - depending on the catch – all items are cooked to order be it baked, battered or naked.

Seafood menu options include sea bass, king scallops, lobster, skate wing and of course favourites such as haddock, cod and hake.

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The independent and family-run business has attracted a loyal following since its inception as well as many awards, and the Harborne restaurant is its first outside of the East Midlands, with restaurants in Sherwood, Wollaton and Long Eaton in Nottinghamshire and Market Harborough in Leicestershire.

There’s also plenty to keep the younger members of the family happy with the ‘Little Tiddlers’ menu, which includes mini cod and chips, proper fish fingers and chips, chicken nuggets and chips and sausages and chips, and for those on the move, soft serve Italian ice cream to takeaway.

The Cod's Scallops - Fish and ChipsThe Cod's Scallops - Fish and Chips
The Cod's Scallops - Fish and Chips

Plans to expand

The Harborne restaurant will provide 15-20 full and part-time jobs and John hopes to further grow the team in the next three to six months.

He and Helen are planning further expansion and are actively looking for sites within 90 minutes of its HQ in Nottingham.

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The Cod’s Scallop’s cod and haddock is MSC approved, one of only 90 fish and chip shops in the UK with the certification and John and the team work closely with fish merchants to ensure the fish is fully sustainable and responsibility sourced.

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