POPULAR West Somerset fish and chip shop owners Paul and Jill Foster have decided to sell-up and retire.

The couple have run Alcombe Fish Bar, in Brook Street, Minehead, for many years and employ two part-time staff.

Now, a 999-year lease on the chip shop and an attached two-bedroom flat is being offered for £345,000, which was described as 'a virtual freehold’.

Mr and Mrs Foster have run the business on a ‘lifestyle basis’, opening five days a week until 9 pm and taking a month’s holiday annually.

It is being marketed through Rightbiz, which said Mr and Mrs Foster had established the business as ‘the go-to fish and chip shop in the local area’.

On their website, Mr and Mrs Foster said they hand-prepared ‘proper traditional fish and chips’ with ‘the pride and care that befits Britain’s national dish’.

They said: “For us, it is all about quality and consistency, so our customers know they can rely on us for the ultimate in fish and chips.

“Our cod and haddock are caught in the deep, cold, unpolluted waters of the North Atlantic, around Iceland and Norway and the Barents Sea, north of Russia.

“These fisheries are very efficiently managed with fishermen and scientists working together to ensure sustainability of the fishery.

“Unlike European Union fisheries, discarding fish overboard is not allowed and all fish must be brought back into port to be sold.”

Mr and Mrs Foster said fish and chips was generally a much healthier meal than people might expect.

They said: “Because of the ingredients we use, the way we prepare them, and the oils and temperatures with which we fry, fish and chips at Alcombe Fish Bar can justifiably claim to be a healthy choice.”

A Rightbiz spokesman said ‘historic financials and accounts’ showed the Alcombe chip shop had a ‘consistent annual turnover of £150,000 to £175,000’ with a gross profit of £80,000 to £90,000.

The spokesman said the 700 sq ft ground floor had a main reception, ancillary areas, prep and storage rooms, and outbuildings, and was fully-fitted and equipped, including a ‘pristine commercial range burner’.

The attached flat featured a lounge-dining room, bathroom, and two bedrooms, and was currently let on an assured short-hold tenancy at £700 a month, with vacant possession if required.

The spokesman said the business was in an ‘easily accessible trading location in a densely populated residential area’, with free parking bays to the front and further on-road parking.

“Huge scope and growth remains, and/or potential to create an investment income,” he said.