Wetherby Whaler restaurant returns to its roots

Yorkshire fish and chip restaurant and takeaway, The Wetherby Whaler has launched in Tadcaster with the purchase of premises on Stutton Road.

The family owned group of fish and chip shops was founded in 1969 by Janine and Phillip Murphy.

Employing over 200 full and part time staff across seven locations in Yorkshire, The Wetherby Whaler serves over one million portions of haddock across its outlets each year.

Originally purchased by the Murphys from Phillip’s uncle and aunt, the Tadcaster premises were run by the founding duo of the Wetherby Whaler until 1989 when it was sold to Ray and Rose Devaney to enable the purchase of the first Whaler premises in Wetherby.

The Devaneys ran the business on Stutton Road until their retirement in November 2020.

On launching in Tadcaster, Caroline Murphy and Joanne Westmoreland, daughters of Janine and Phillip Murphy and directors at The Wetherby Whaler, said: “We’re really proud to be returning to our Tadcaster roots; it feels as though we’ve come full circle.

“The response from the people of Tadcaster has been really positive, and residents are extremely excited to have their very own Whaler for the first time.

“We spent many happy times working on the counter with our mum and dad over 30 years ago, and it’s great to see so many Tadcaster residents enjoying fish and chips at Stutton Road.”

The premises have been fully refurbished, including a new range from Hopkins, based in Pudsey, to replace the original range installed in 1985. Chippendale Shopfitters, also based in Leeds, were hired to complete the refurbishment.

Stuart Moorhouse, director at commercial property agent Ernest Wilson, supported the team at The Wetherby Whaler with the purchase of the premises.

Phillip Murphy added: “I’m so proud to see my family involved in keeping The Whaler a household name across Yorkshire and ensuring we continue to provide the public with delicious fish and chips.

“At The Wetherby Whaler we believe that good, honest British food brings people together.

“This guiding principle has enabled us to develop the foundation for the ‘whaler experience’ which continues to be a roaring success.”