A FISH and chip shop in Blackrod is surviving and thriving in lockdown - thanks to one unusual menu item.

Flounders Fish and Chips, on Church Street, is selling battered chip butties after the owner's daughters gave her the idea for the deep-fried snack.

The traditional chippy sells the deep-fried treat for £2, using their own homemade batter.

The Bolton News: The battered brn with gravy filling

Owner Victoria Flatters says that the barms are flying off the shelves, with between 20 and 30 being sold each day.

Customers can choose fillings with either English curry, Chinese curry, gravy or mushy peas.

Victoria, who has owned the business for more than seven years, believes she is the only chippy in the area to sell them.

The Bolton News: Outside of Flounders Fish and Chips on Church Street, Blackrod

Speaking to The Bolton News, she said: “My daughter sent me a link about them from a shop that was doing it elsewhere.

“I wasn’t sure at first. I thought they would be quite heavy, but the opposite is true.

“It wasn’t what I expected but they are proving very popular.”

REVIEW: Our take on Bolton chippy's amazing battered chip barm

The barm is made by putting bread in the fryer and cooking it for three to four minutes.

It is then flipped and cooked on the other side with the chips and filling then placed inside.

Victoria, who celebrated her 50th birthday last month, added: “I don’t know anyone else that’s doing it but they might catch on.

“It’s nice to try something new and our customers all seem really happy - we’ve had a great response.”

The Bolton News: Victoria Flatters, 50, and her partner Rob have owned the premises for eight years

With only two customers allowed in the shop at one time due to coronavirus restrictions, a small queue can often be seen outside the Church Street chippy.

Although Victoria and partner Rob are thrilled that the business is thriving, they are urging customers to shop local for now - and only to pay them a visit when it is safe to do so.

“We’re really lucky to have loyal customers who keep on coming back,” she added.

“That’s the beauty of living in a place like Blackrod.”

Victoria has lived in Blackrod since she was 17 years old and has built up a loyal customer base.

Her parents owned a pub nearby while she managed the chip shop, before taking on the full ownership of the premises.

Although it was difficult at first during the three-month lockdown period in which they were forced to close last year, Victoria says that business has been steady since, and is optimistic about the future ahead for the business.