Welcome to Marino's Fish Bar
Marino's Fish Bar - 'Established yet Fresh!'
Let me tell you a quick story about our Dad and his Chippies...
Adam Marinou first arrived in the UK from Cyprus way back in 1956. At the tender age of 15 he began working at Covent Garden fruit market where he was a barrow boy. He sent £5 a month back home to his Mother and kept a little behind for himself (just enough to Rock n Roll the nights away with young London lasses!). 2 years on he got a job at Billingsgate Fish Market in the East End of London, where he worked hard as a barrow boy there too. 3 years down the line his Uncles in Kent took him under their wing; they had just started off in the catering business and wanted him to help run their new 'Rumpy Bar'.
Adam had discovered his niche, and after many years of saving, he managed to buy his very own shop on Queen Street in Ramsgate. He named the Fish and Chip Restaurant and Take Away 'Marino's Fish Bar' after his much loved and respected late father Marino. Needless to say Marino's was a great success. Our Dad established a very respectable reputation, he had developed a broad network of customers and after 8 years he was able to expand.
This expansion led him to Wincheap in Canterbury, where he bought Peter's Fish Bar and turned it into his second Marino's Fish Bar. He continued to use nothing but Fresh Fish, top quality Maris Piper potatoes and the finest pies, sausages, chickens and so on. 22 years later our shop is still there and it's thriving. Now owned by Adam's children, Marino's Fish Bar (Wincheap) has recently won the SeaFish Award for Excellence in Food, Hygiene and Service.
In 1988 Adam noticed a demand for a further shop in Canterbury, now only owning Wincheap branch, he was able to purchase another Fish and Chip Shop on St Dunstan's Street. What was formerly known as 'Bakers Fish Shop' was transformed into an attractive and modern Marino's Fish Bar, serving the high quality in all areas that Adam's customers had come accustomed to.
In the meantime, Adam's son-in-law Melis Karios had been working in Wincheap for a couple of years before he and Adam decided he should buy a Fish Shop in Ashford. They found the most derelict Fish Shop one had ever seen - in essence, it was just a hut! Together with hard graft and patience they managed to rebuild 'Beaver Road Fish Bar' into a clean, well equipped and up-to-date business. 'Marino's Fish Bar' had come to Ashford. And there it still remains, 16 years on. From day one back in 1990 Melis has served the finest quality produce just as he was taught, he has expanded his menus, he has developed his shop and he has established a very strong position within the Ashford Community. He is extremely proud of his success, which is down to hard work and an honesty with regards to fresh top quality food and pricing. Meli too has won the SeaFish Award for Excellence in Food, Hygiene and Service.
Adams son Marino had been following in his Dad's footsteps since he was 16. After college every day he worked as the potato boy in Marino's on >St Dunstan's. He was quick to learn every aspect of the trade and his Dad looked on as he observed the passion for the business which he felt within himself. When the time was right, Marino took over Wincheap in 1999*, he refurbished it, set up the first Fish Shop web site, expanded the menu and appeared many a time in the local press for his high standard of trade.
Adam's younger son-in-law George has too, recently become involved in the Marino's Fish Bar network, he is the fresh faced entrepreneur who has injected even more enthusiasm and drive into the business. Even though he's an accountant by trade he chose to be a part of the established yet fresh, exciting yet down to earth, wholesome yet honest family business which he has found himself a part of. George would much rather banter with the Marino's customers than be stuck in an office any day!
Adam and his wife continued to work Marino's in St Dunstan's, where one gets the feeling that the people who walk through its doors are more like friends than mere customers. But, at the ripe ol' age of 65, it's time for Adam and his fair wife to retire and leave their legacy to their children. If there's room for modernisation it will be made. If there's room for expansion it will be shown. But of one thing you can be sure - the superior quality in all our food and service at Marino's Fish Bar will never, ever be compromised.
Marino's History
How did Marino's get to where it is now? Read to find out more.
Fishy Facts
Some fun things that may or may not be related to fish and chips!
Marino's Food
Established yet fresh food. Read to find out more.