Nailsea Fish Bar has a new boss.

Community-minded Kaveh ‘Kav’ Darafshi has taken over the High Street fish ‘n’ chip shop which along with Sam Bird TV and John Brown Hardware are the oldest established businesses’ trading on the High Street.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Kav said: “I have been running food businesses in Bristol for the past 16 years, and I’m very excited to bring that experience to Nailsea.

“Over those years, I’ve learned that a successful food business is about much more than simply serving good food — it’s about consistency, quality, service and becoming a genuine part of the local community.

“My intention is not to come into Nailsea and immediately change something that has been part of the town for years.

“We want to respect what customers already love about Nailsea Fish Bar, while gradually improving the quality of the food, the sourcing of our fish and ingredients, and the level of service we provide.

“We love what Nailsea is and genuinely feel that Nailsea deserves the best.

“We will do our best to provide the best fish and chips we can, with a strong focus on quality, responsible sourcing and friendly service.

“I also strongly believe in the importance of serving the High Street.

“High streets in towns and villages across the country are shrinking, and once they disappear, a very important part of the neighbourhood disappears with them.

“We want Nailsea Fish Bar to play a positive part in keeping Nailsea's High Street busy, useful and community-focused.

“We are planning to support local schools, sports clubs, churches and community organisations, and I would be very happy to speak with you about our story and our plans for Nailsea Fish Bar.

“Please let me know what opportunities you have in an upcoming issue and any costs involved.

“I’m 40 and I’ve been in catering for the last 16 years.

“It’s a family business and me and my wife Alina run everything together.

“We’ve always been very people and staff-focused — customers and the community are really at the centre of what we do.

“For us it’s important that people get good food, but also that they feel welcome and enjoy coming in.

“Gloucester Road in Bristol has been our home for the past 16 years.

“I still run coffee shop Nectar House and premier fish 'n' chip shop Reel Soul  so we’ve been part of the business community here for a long time.

“We know a lot of the people and other businesses around the road, and we’d really like to see Gloucester Road and Nailsea high street getting busier and doing well.

“I think all the local businesses can help each other with that.

“Nailsea Fish Bar already has a tremendous reputation, and the previous owners have set the bar high.

“We know there are customers who have been coming here for years and have supported the business, so we want to make sure we look after those people and keep the things they love.

“At the same time, we’re not afraid to make improvements and try new things.

“ If customers have suggestions, we’re always happy to listen — they’re the people who know what they want!

“I think customers will notice a new friendly face who probably talks a bit too much!

“I genuinely enjoy chatting to people and getting to know customers, whether they’re young or old, men or women.

“For me, that’s one of the best things about running food businesses — you meet so many different people.

“We’ve already started working with Holy Trinity Church in Nailsea, which is something we’re really pleased about.

“We want to be involved in the community and leave a positive footprint here.“It’s not just about running a business; we want to be part of Nailsea and hopefully do our bit to make the high street busier and bring a bit more life to it.