Stockbridge chippy wraps up after 36 years in community
L'Aquila Bianca
AN award-winning fish and chip shop that has been part of the Stockbridge community for more than three decades has fried its last fish supper.
L’Aquila Bianca has closed its doors after 36 years of trading, marking the end of an era for Gerardo Crolla and his family.
It is now being converted into a Domino’s Pizza shop.
Gerardo’s father Agostino, 84, set up the chippy in 1975 after moving to Scotland from Italy in the1950s.
Gerardo, 48, took over the running of the Raeburn Place shop in the late Eighties, although his father still helped out now and again.
Gerardo’s daughter Serena said: “My dad just wants to try different things. He is going to take a wee break and try to do something different.
“It’s sad because he has been there for so long and the customers are so lovely. All our regulars were coming in so upset and giving us cards.
“We have been part of Stockbridge for over 30 years so it’s really sad, but I guess you have to move on.” The 19-year-old added: “My grandad passed the shop down to my dad when he got married to my mum, and they worked in it together.
“My grandad retired but he still came in during the mornings to prepare and he used to come in at night sometimes to close the shop if my dad was out.”
L’Aquila Bianca, which served Italian cuisine as well as fried food, has won a string of top awards over the years, including being voted one of the best fish and chip shops in Scotland in 1996 after coming second in the national contest.
At the time, Gerardo, who started working at the family chip shop as a teenager, put the secret of his success down to “the fish – plain and simple”, but also said that batter was an important element too. In 2003, L’Aquila Bianca was honoured again when it received a top quality award from the Sea Fish Industry Authority.
The shop was judged to have everything from good fish and chips to a team of helpful, friendly staff, high levels of hygiene and good practice in handling and cooking the food being served.
Gerardo received a Quality Award certificate and logo to display in the shop. Serena added: “It’s nice to have those awards and remember it for that.
“I worked there as well a few nights. Because it was a family business we all chipped in.
“I used to go there when I was small sometimes and I would sit in the back with my sister and wait until my mum was finished.”
“It has been a big part of our lives.”
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Comments
There are 16 comments to this article
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SandraGlass
Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 01:49 PMWe were regulars for about 20 years and I have to say it's the best fish and chips I ever had. Lovely family-run business and I was particularly fond of Old Mr Crolla - he was always so happy to see me! Gutted it's closed and wish Gerry and Maria the best.
Sciencesleuth
Saturday, October 22, 2011 at 10:54 AMLovely fried fish every time, you will all be missed.
Ian Hunt
Friday, October 21, 2011 at 01:01 PM"The Last Supper" comes to mind after reading this story!
icr24350
Friday, October 21, 2011 at 11:51 AMsave our chippie ! Not all of us love pizzas.
WBB
Thursday, October 20, 2011 at 08:41 AM#2 I was brought up inand around Stockeree and would never go to this one always went to Franco's. When I first started going there the two son's were just laddies and their father ran it with their mum. Now you go in and those wee laddies are now middle aged men!! Funny how things change!!!
Still Douglas
Wednesday, October 19, 2011 at 11:46 PMI'm sure I remember delivering a couple of pallets of Pepsi to the chippy some years ago. I think one of those panels below the windows opens for access to the cellar. That pram's no goin on the bus BTW!
Gordon, Canonmills
Wednesday, October 19, 2011 at 09:47 AMPopped in many a time for a pie or fish supper on the way to see my sister in Blackhall (thus allowing her to come out with the inevitable "you've had your chips!"). Barry scran. One of the greats. Ciao e mille grazie.
wayneb
Monday, October 17, 2011 at 11:03 PMAnother sad loss for a great community. The last thing the world needs is another pizza place... Stockbridge lives on the basis on private enterprise. Even some of the charity shops have become prized contributors to the community vibe. I never visited the chippie in question, but all the best to them. And to those local fish 'n' chip fans... well, sorry for your loss.
snewzz
Monday, October 17, 2011 at 10:29 PMGood luck to the family. I think they've all done enough frying and deserve a change from coming home smelling of chips etc. Don't blame them wanting a change. Will miss Serenas sister though...Bangtidy
Good, you never knew if they were going to be open or not, it was only if they could be bothered to open they would so.
pepperz
Monday, October 17, 2011 at 05:17 PM#2 MeMyself&I I disagree about your comment on the only chippy left, but each to his or her own I suppose.
pepperz
Monday, October 17, 2011 at 05:15 PMActually I prefer the chippy further along the road opposite the Pizza Hut and close to the grange, his burgers with cheese are a delight. But best wishes to the family leaving this particular shop, I always think it's sad when we lose the old fashioned chippy to the more up market food shops such as Dominoes.
Diane Laird
Monday, October 17, 2011 at 04:09 PMMy first ever after school job was working for Mr & Mrs Crolla & Gerardo (who was himself at shool at the time). Hygeine standards were extremely high as were their work ethic. The Crolla's ran a tight ship and earned a respect from me that's lasted a lifetime. I don't think they ever knew that. All the very best to the family. I know if my parents were still alive they'd want me to pass on their best too. From All the Rodger family (formerly of St Stephen Street)
searchanddestroy
Monday, October 17, 2011 at 01:47 PM"Gerardo received a Quality Award certificate and logo to display in the shop. Serena added: “It’s nice to have those awards and remember it for that. “I worked there as well a few nights. Because it was a family business we all chipped in. Serana also won an award for chip shop worst pun ever ;-)
MeMyself&I
Monday, October 17, 2011 at 01:46 PMAh, my absolute favourite chippy, I still miss it after moving away. The owners and their lovely daughters will be sadly missed. Service was always with a great smile, such a friendly family. Fingers crossed they have something exciting in the pipeline! It's a shame it's being replaced by a Dominos. There is already a Pizza Hut not 100 yards away and now only one chippy (which isn't great).
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