​Episode 155: How Miller’s Turned Passion into a National Title

In the latest episode of the Ceres Podcast, Mark Petrou sits down with David Miller, winner of the prestigious Fish & Chip Shop of the Year award. Together, they delve into the remarkable story of Miller’s Fish and Chips in Haxby, a family business with roots dating back to 1940. David recounts his journey from Michelin-star kitchens aboard the QE2 to taking over the family shop, transforming it into a national treasure with the help of his son, Nick.

David shares candid moments of personal and professional growth, from the struggles of running an outdated shop to the pivotal changes that turned their business around. He reveals how Nick’s return from a music career sparked a rejuvenation in the shop’s standards and David’s passion. Their decision to enter the Fish & Chip Shop of the Year competition acted as a catalyst for change, forcing them to raise their game and embrace a new level of professionalism and teamwork.

Listeners will gain insight into the rigorous process behind the awards, including mystery shopper visits and detailed audits. David explains the invaluable lessons learned along the way, emphasising the importance of passion, attention to detail, and team spirit. His reflections highlight that winning isn’t just about having the best equipment but about commitment to excellence and delivering top-quality food and service.

The episode also explores how Miller’s leveraged the award to elevate its brand and engage with the community, even taking its expertise internationally with training and knowledge-sharing initiatives. David’s thoughtful transition from his training role and reflections on the next generation of fish fryers provide a poignant conclusion to his story.

This inspiring episode is a must-listen for anyone in the hospitality industry looking to reinvigorate their business with fresh ideas and strategies.