A traditional fish and chip shop that is the "best chippy" to many has been at centre of nearly 50 years of memories for generations of customers
Undoubtedly one of the oldest chippies on Merseyside, The Swan on Stanley Street in Southport has been owned by the Defty family since 1977. Now 46 years on, Helen, dad William and step-mum Rita are now all at the forefront of the business and as part of the Liverpool ECHO's How It Used To Be series, we recently spoke to the Deftys about their history and how they became an institution in the town.
After running a casino in Africa, William, 78, wasn't sure what he wanted to do when he came back to England, but was inspired by his friends successful chippy in Southport. Welcoming customers from across Merseyside and beyond, they've also served a number of famous faces and continued to expand to meet demand, keeping quality and fresh ingredients at the heart of what they do.
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At one point, The Swan had a salad bar and served roast dinners at the weekend, but their fish and chips have "always been the best" and at the core of what they do. The Defty's said their homemade steak pies are also very popular and they "buy the best of everything" to maintain quality and flavour, which has seen them win many awards through the years nominated and voted by customers.
The family’s love for The Swan has come to be reciprocated by the generations of customers who've came through their doors. With the business nearing the half century landmark, many people have shared their memories of the popular restaurant on our Sefton Live Facebook page.
Pauline Taylor said: "We love The Swan, been going there since 1980 when I was a student nurse. We even have your picture on our wall." David Murray posted: "Love The Swan, best Fish and chips around and you always get bread and butter, hmmm chip butties."
Sylvia Watkins posted: "Best fish n' chips in Southport." Tom Edward said: "Best chippy in the North West, best staff and best steak pie as well!! Prove me wrong."
Joy Fielden said: "My very first job as a youngster, waiting tables when the previous owners Billy and Margaret had the place. Loved it." Louise Millar wrote: "Best chippy in town."
Warren Copland commented: "Call over from Huddersfield for days out often and The Swan is always where we go for lunch." Paul McCarthy commented: "Fabulous fish and chip restaurant, best in the North West."
John Houghton wrote: "I agree best fish and chips in Southport. My relatives from USA always call when they are here and have been doing for 40 plus years." June Sourbutts wrote: "I went to the original Swan back in early 60s with my nan, had to walk back of the counter, to the café at the back, onions in vinegar, yum. Still the best."
Becky Allen commented: "The best fish and chips in the country. We always have to visit The Swan when we go to Southport." Sandra Halsall commented: "The best chippy EVER!!!."
Barbara Chislett posted: "Brings back memories, we used to go to The Swan, on special occasions, the best." Kevin Hodge said: "Best chippy in Southport, spent my teen years working here and enjoyed every minute best people and family to work for hope they continue for another 40 odd years."
Gillian Tipping said: "We love The Swan we be going there for nearly 30 years. Best chippy staff, very friendly." Christine Mckee wrote: "I've been buying fish & chips there for 40 years. Simply the best too."
Lauren Jones commented: "Hands down best chippy in Southport." Chris Pickard posted: "Love The Swan. Fantastic place always go back when in Southport. Remember Barbara and Joyce with fond memories when I worked at The Swan whilst a student in the 70s. Remember Billy taking over from John Handley. The staff were always well looked after."
Teresa Williams posted: "Lovely fish & chips. Lovely staff." Carol Richards commented: "Best fish and chips in Southport always go when we are visiting there."
Jackie Ross said: "Best Fish and chips along with all quality other choices on menu, home made tasty pies. Helen and staff friendly and welcoming, great as takeaway and to relax and eat in, recommend highly Lucky to be a local." Tony Stopyra wrote: "One of the best chippies I know."
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Daisy Cropper posted: "Still the best chippy for miles!!." Christine Mountain posted: "Great chippy."
Eric Wright commented: "Best chippy ever." Mark Rollins said: "Been going to The Swan since I was a small boy in the late 60s. Still call in when about, the best fish and chips anywhere."
And Martine-Victoria Lucy Elizabeth Hartley said: "The best chippy in Southport! Love it."
As well as long-standing customers, The Swan has had many staff members work for them for years, as well as other family members. Helen's brother Connor now works at the business too and the Defty's said after big events like the pandemic and a fire they had in 2017, the community have continued to support them.
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The family also deliver meals to local care homes and have had a number of famous faces pass through their doors when filming or visiting Southport. Helen said: "We’ve had Peter Kay twice, Suggs from Madness, a lot from Coronation Street, some from Emmerdale and David Jason, that was brilliant having Del Boy sat here with his chips. I can’t imagine working anywhere else."
William added: "We're very proud of the business."
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