‘Fishy empire’ spoof sparks laughs but real Middleton chippy says the threat is no joke

Friday, 8 August 2025 17:14

Middleton Fish Bar urges community support as national chain plans rival shop metres away, sparking both satire and serious concerns.

A well-known Middleton chip shop is calling on locals to support independent businesses after learning that national chain Mother Hubbard’s plans to open a new branch just metres away.

The spoof piece imagined a scenario involving battered saveloys, frozen clams and even a postman in tears, a nod to the real-life concerns being raised with a sharp comedic twist. The article prompted a flurry of comments and in-jokes from locals, including suggestions to rename the business “Mother High” and admiration for “Caroline with her ladle” defending the community.

The news has sparked a mix of outrage and comedy online, including a viral satirical article from spoof news site the Rochdale Times - article here: https://www.rochdaletimes.com/local/2025/08/middleton-reels-as-fishy-empire-threatens-to-batter-beloved-chippy-to-death/, which jokingly described the dispute as a “fish fight of biblical proportions” and referred to Mother Hubbard’s as “the Codfather of corporate chip shops”.

Despite the humour, the core issue is very real for Caroline and Paul High, the couple behind Middleton Fish Bar, who have launched a petition asking for public support to protect independent shops from being priced out.

“This isn’t just about competition,” the petition reads. “It’s about the survival of local, family-run businesses that have served this community with heart, care, and quality for years.”

The planned arrival of Mother Hubbard’s, a chain with 47 stores and 152 franchises, is just yards from the Middleton town centre site where the Highs run their family shop, known for its mural tribute to football legend Paul Scholes.

Caroline, who also runs Hollins Fish Bar across town, said the petition was a last-resort effort to save a business that has become part of the fabric of the local area.

“We’re not looking for sympathy. We’re asking for support,” she said. “Once the independents are gone, they’re not coming back.”

The satire site’s article has brought a wave of attention to the issue, with some local businesses even joining in the fun, including Hollins Fish Bar, which posted on Facebook: “Every one needs to read this, especially the part about the postman. Journalism at its funniest - none of these quotes came from us by the way!”

Others called it “funny because it’s true”, while commenters offered support alongside laughs. One post read: “Seriously though, good luck 👊🏼 we’ve signed.”

Mother Hubbard’s and Middleton Shopping Centre have not responded to requests for comment.

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