Strewth cobber – a Hull fish and chip shop is giving customers the chance to experience a bushtucker trial complete with grass hoppers, bamboo worms and weaver ants.
Customers at John’s Plaice in Willerby Road can also choose silkworm pupae, mole crickets, snails, frogs legs, octopus and haggis all accompanied by mushy peas and chips, of course.
Owner John Armitage says the bug bonanza has been created to help satisfy customers’ demands for more adventurous foods.
He says speciality foods such as frogs legs and blood sausage have been popular with customers seeking a change from his traditional haddock and chips.
“Fish and chips will always be favourite with most customers but there is a large number of people who are keen to try different foods and they don’t come much more different than this,” said John.
John, who will be serving a platter of bugs and beasties with chips for £5, added:” Some of this stuff looks bad, like the flying grass hoppers, but actually it is all really tasty – just a little crunchy!
“I’m a big fan of I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! and while I was watching the bushtucker trials I couldn’t help but think it would be all so much tastier if it was deep fried.
“Unfortunately, some of the bugs and worms are too delicate to deep fry so they will be served roasted. I’m confident customers will enjoy it all even the haggis!”
John, who lives in Kirk Ella took the business over 18 months ago. Since then his turnover has trebled and he has been able to employ two extra staff including an apprentice fish fryer.
“I ran a successful painting and decorating business for many years employing 80 people until I decided to take early retirement. But I’m not one to be idle and soon became bored so decided to have a go at the fish and chip business and I’m really enjoying it.
“The secret to our success is based on providing the best quality fish and chips at affordable prices but we also like to have a bit of fun and I’m sure the bushtucker trial menu is going to put a smile on lots of faces which can’t be a bad things these days.”