Famous British chippie Harry Ramsden's signs deal to open shops in India

Famous British chippie Harry Ramsden's signs deal to open shops in India Harry Ramsden's, the well known chippie chain founded almost a century ago in Yorkshire, is expected to open a wave of stores thousands of miles away in India Iconic British fish and chip chain Harry Ramsden’s is set to open dozens of shops in India. Reports say the company, which began life in Yorkshire, has signed a deal to open at least 60 branches over the next 10 years. Exporting the restaurant’s menu - complete with mushy peas - would be a big departure for the chain, as it prepares to celebrate its 100th birthday in two years time. Bosses will be hoping to win over locals in India, with its population of more than 1.4 billion. There is no word on whether the menu will include chips with a curry sauce, a must have for many Brits that could combine the two cultures. James Fleming, the chief executive of Harry Ramsden’s, described the move as “an important milestone in our international expansion strategy”, adding that the Indian market was “dynamic, fast growing and increasingly open to global foods.” The company has agreed a deal with a local firm called Franchise India Ventures, led by Gaurav Marya, to operate the chain under its name, according to The Times following a report on Propel, the hospitality industry website. The first restaurant is set to open early next year. Marya said: “Harry Ramsden’s is a globally recognised brand with a unique heritage and strong positioning. We see enormous potential to introduce this iconic British dining experience to the Indian market and to grow the brand significantly over the coming years.” Harry Ramsden’s began with a humble wooden hut in Guiseley, West Yorkshire. According to the firms’s website: “With nothing more than a passion for great fish and chips, Harry quickly built a reputation for golden batter, fluffy hand-cut chips, and a warm welcome that made everyone feel at home.” It now has 10 restaurants dotted across the UK, from Bournemouth to Blackpool. Its latest branch opened in London's trendy Notting Hill in November last year. The move into the Indian market is not the first oversea foray for the British brand, having announced plans last year to open in Romania, of all places. The Harry Ramsden’s business has changed various times over the years. Nine years ago it was bought by rival fish and chip business Deep Blue Restaurants from the Boparan Restaurant Group. As well as shops, Harry Ramsden’s has also announced a partnership with Morrisons to launch Harry Ramsden’s in 32 of the supermarket’s cafés.