The owner of a family chippy is among those recognised in the New Year's Honours list. Richard Ord has been made an MBE after serving the people of South Shields for 50 years at Colmans Fish & Chips. Richard started cutting fish at Colmans on Ocean Road in 1969 when he was just 15. The restaurant, which began life as a beach shack in 1905, became the first MSC-certified fish and chip shop in England. 'The fish and chip industry has progressed hugely over the years', says Richard. 'It’s much more environmentally aware and professional than when I first started.'
Dedicating the MBE to his wife Frances and sons Richard and Dominic who work with him in the business, as well as to his customers, Richard Snr adds: 'This award is for my family, our team and all the wonderful customers Colmans has served over the past century. Without their support, none of this would have been possible. Our customers are paramount and I thank them from the bottom of my heart.'
CULINARY POWER COUPLE
Chef Fergus Henderson, famous for his nose-to-tail approach at London restaurant St John, has been made an OBE for services to the culinary arts, as has his wife Margot of Rochelle Canteen.
INDUSTRY CHAMPION
Also honoured with an OBE is Kate Nicholls, head of UK Hospitality, who has worked tirelessly to support the industry through the pandemic.
