Fish and chips are helping bridge faiths in Leeds with first kosher chippie in 50 years

A Leeds fish and chip shop has become an unlikely hub of interfaith connection after introducing kosher-certified servings for the first time in half a century.

Marlow’s British Kitchen on Street Lane, Moortown, began offering kosher fish and chips shortly after opening in September, following a conversation between co-owner Arabaab “Paddy” Munir and Rabbi Anthony Gilbert, the told the Yorkshire Evening Post.

Munir, who runs the chippie with his business partner, said the decision was rooted in respect and a desire to bring neighbours together. “Selling kosher fish and chips helps bring the community together – that’s the main objective,” he said. “When people walk through my door it doesn’t matter what faith you are. People want to eat together.”

He added that the shop had taken care to meet strict halachic requirements, including sourcing kosher-approved ingredients, maintaining separate fryers for fish and chips, and ensuring a mashgiach is present during the kosher service. “Word is starting to get around,” he said. “We don’t want to alienate anyone – we just want people to enjoy the food.”

Rabbi Gilbert, of the Leeds Beth Din and Etz Chaim Synagogue, said the move had already resonated widely within the Jewish community. “It is the first time in 50 years we have a recognised kosher fish and chip shop in the heart of the community,” he said. “In a time of turmoil, it is good to have people of all faiths coming together, working together and eating together.”

He added: “The food is very popular and the fish and chip is respected by the community. They respect our customs and we respect theirs.”

Local Jewish residents say the initiative has already become a simple but meaningful point of connection between communities living side by side in Moortown. Munir hopes the shared comfort of a British classic can continue to foster trust, warmth and neighbourliness.