As much as it saddens me that it's been announced on local TV and radio that Harry Ramsden first fish and chip restaurant is to close, it's not really a surpise.
After hearing this news this morning, my wife and myself decided to go and have lunch there for 'old times sake', because it was one our most favourite places, and loved the oppulent splender of the chandeliers and being served by waiters wearing white aprons whilst making a fuss of your every need.
Today however was appauling.
It began when I telephoned to enquire if they were open for lunch and the reply from a young woman was 'yep'! I further asked if i need to make a reservation and was told 'nope we're open from 12 to 2'! And she put the phone down.
On arrival, outside my wife got talking to a man about hearing the news that Harry Ramsdens would be closing down and that he'd travelled a long way to a get a photo of the iconic building. He mention how a stroppy young woman had acosted him demanding to know why he was taking photos. After he explained, the young woman said 'first of heard of it' and stormed off.
Anyway, we entered the restaurant and was eventally shown to a table by the window where it took ages to be served by the young male waiter. We mentioned that we didnt have any hot water to 'top up' our teapot and asked if we could have one. 15 minutes later, I had to ask again, this time it was the young woman, who gave a grunt and eventually returned with 2 large pots of water as if she was trying to make an issue out of it.
Our trip down memory lane was further ruined by the fact that our tea was £3.40 for 2 tea bags and hot water, our mushy peas was £1.50 for an egg cup full, and our bill for the pleasure of feeling very unwelcome was almost £27 for two fish and chip lunches.
There is no longer any 'special' reason to pay over the odds at Harry Ramsdens in Guiseley when you can get a far better service at a 3rd of that price in most other local places - and you are made to feel welcome too.
So, I'm not at all surprised the premises is closing down and I guess Harry must be turning in his grave after working 364 days a year for 20 years to make it what it once was.
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