In a time when life was beginning to get back to normal after Covid, the cost of living crisis has now begun to bite with people across the borough being squeezed by soaring gas and electricity prices, while the cost of goods and fuel are also rapidly rising.
The Office for National Statistics has revealed the latest figures showing the prices of food and non-alcoholic drinks rose at the fastest rate in more than 45 years in the 12 months to March 2023.
The price rises have hit Britain’s takeaway lovers particularly hard with the cost of fast food and takeaways having increased by 13% over the same period with takeaway fish and chips seeing the largest increase within that category at 19% (an average increase of £1.44 to £9.00).
For takeaways which have made it to the other side of Covid, it comes as a fresh double blow for their businesses. Their own costs are rising while customers have less money to spend.
Mapperley’s famous takeaway, The Plains has been owned by the same family for nearly forty years.
Peter Georgiou is one of the two brothers passionate about their work and the quality of service they offer.
Peter told us that “In almost 38 years of owning the Plains fish bar this has been the most challenging period.
“Brexit and Covid have both had a big impact and maybe the war in Ukraine has been a factor in the huge increases in gas and electricity prices.
“Also climate change has caused problems with farming potatoes as well as other vegetables. Too much rain and or long drought spells has seen sharp increases in the cost of potatoes.
“The fuel cost increases and brexit issues have added to the price of purchasing potatoes fish and cooking oils.
“Profits are almost non-existent at the moment so it is a time of trying to survive until things improve. If that doesn’t happen soon more takeaways and restaurants will continue to shut down.
“Sales are generally down as people can’t afford what used to be a cheap meal. We have had to keep increasing selling prices but there is a limit to what you can expect someone to pay.
“Trying to get the balance between portion sizes and selling price has never been so tough. Quality we never compromise on though. We always use the best potatoes available and the freshest fish.”
The Plains Takeaway & Restaurant can be found at 916 Woodborough Road, Nottingham NG3 5QR and offer home delivery as well as outside seating (weather permitting). Their facebook page can be accessed HERE and they can be contacted on 0115 9609796
