Smarts chip shop in Woodstock reopens after two-year closure

Smarts Fish & Chips in Woodstock is being run as a family venture after reopening last week.

Ana and Cristiano Barbosa have taken over the reins, and in the long run, are even eyeing up some Brazilian and Portuguese dishes for the menu.

For now though, the duo are happy to see customers returning to the town’s only chip shop.

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Mr Barbosa said: “We’ve been living in Woodstock for the last four years and Ana’s family always used to work in fish and chip shops, so because the shop here was closed, we saw there was an opportunity and that it was a good idea.

“A year ago, we sat down with the landlord and spoke about taking over the business.

“There was a lot to do so we didn’t think it was the right time.

“For some reason, nobody ever took the shop on so we took it on, and with Eduardo [Mr Barbosa’s brother-in-law] being a good chef with plenty of experience, we’re giving it a go.

“We took over about a month and a half ago and did the refurbishment and cleaning needed to get things into place.

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“It was a mission to open for August 31 but we got there.”

Mr Barbosa said for now, the shop would follow a more traditional menu, however there are ideas in place to add some different flavours in the future.

“We did some research on how other businesses were doing and also the effect Brexit might have on the cost of fish for example, but we found that fish and chip shops were doing well,” he said.

“For us so far, it’s gone quite well, a bit better than we thought.

“Things like burgers and kebabs have been going well, so it’s not just the fish and chips.

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“Ana was thinking about doing some Portuguese dishes as that’s where she’s from and I’m Brazilian myself so we think those dishes could be a good idea.

“We have to start slow though and do things right at first and see what people like.

“In the future, we can think about other things as we’ve got quite a good space to work with in the restaurant, even with social distancing.”

The shop is also fortunate to be in a prime location for both locals and tourists.

Situated just a short walk from Blenheim Palace, Mr Barbosa is hoping to tap in to the shop’s location and increase trade.

“We’re getting visitors from Blenheim Palace who want to get some traditional fish and chips, as the palace is very close,” he said.

“People had lost faith that the shop would not reopen and stay shut so it’s good to see that not happen.”

Eduardo Mendes, Mr Barbosa’s brother-in-law, has been working as a chef at the new shop. He said: “Pretty much everything was refurbished, including the shop floor, the toilets and kitchen.

“Since reopening, things have been going very well and it’s been very busy. Customers are chuffed to bits as it was a popular shop but also, the only one around.”