Bolton: Olympus Fish and Chips celebrate 35th anniversary

And this year, he together with his staff, is celebrating 35 years of Olympus Restaurant in Bolton.

The award-winning fish and chip takeaway and restaurant is situated on Great Moor Street, and first opened its as a small takeaway doors in 1988.

The chippy proved so popular that three years later owner Tasos took the decision to extend into the property next door to create a 60-seater restaurant.

The restaurant has since undergone further extensions, in 1997 and 2002, and these days can accommodate upward of 200 people, and people can still often be seen queueing out the door for a seat.

The final extension came in 2010, when Tasos purchased the land to the rear and transformed it into light-filled orangery and garden.

At the same time, the restaurant underwent a refurbishment to create the atmosphere it boasts today.

Tasos Pattichis

Customers are regularly treated to a professional pianist during the week and during special events.

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These days, Olympus remains one of Bolton’s favourite restaurants and continues to serve up fish and chips alongside its extensive menu which also includes a range of pies, burgers, pizzas, coffees, and deserts, including a range of Fredrick’s ice creams to eat in or take away.

The restaurant caters for special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, funerals, as well as being popular for pre-theatre meals.

Covid lockdowns forced Olympus to adapt, and now it operates a delivery service, which has help it attract many new customers.

Tasos also extended his hospitality repertoire to include into a travel venture, offering customers coach trips under the name ‘Tasos Tours’.

The tours start and finish from the restaurant, as Tasos entertains the party as they visit places such as York, Whitby, Llandudno, and the Lake District.

Olympus Fish and Chip Restaurant and Takeaway (Image: Newsquest)

Tasos said: “Despite the challenges of Covid and the current cost-of-living crisis, the Olympus is fortunate enough to celebrate 35 wonderful years.

“I am proud of the unique reputation of the business and would like to thank my hardworking and committed employees, wonderful customers, and great suppliers.

“It’s rewarding to know that many of my original customers from 35 years ago still visit now and bring their children and grandchildren.

“I look forward to the years ahead and to welcoming my existing customers as well as new visitors from far and wide.”

Tasos’ father, Michael Pattichis, emigrated to England from Cyprus aged 16. Having worked in the hospitality industry for a time, he bought the Olympus Grill, a former temperance bar, on Churchgate in 1960.

Michael converted it into a restaurant and with wife Olga established a popular business.

The pair retired in 1999, but continue to help Tasos out at Olympus.