The Family Business
The family business of Zanres has been frying fish and chips in the North East of Scotland for over sixty years. The founder Luigi Zanre and his family, moved to Scotland in 1938 bringing their passion for fish and chips and home-made ice-cream.
The business was sold by the Zanre family in 1978, a condition of the sale being the retention of the 'Zanres' name which is continued with enthusiasm by current owner, Eddie Mair. The Zanres title has always been synonymous with quality, confirmed recently with the Sea Fish Authority's Fish & Chip Shop of the Year award for the UK.

Zanres has also recently embarked on a programme of steady expansion, opening shops and restaurants in Peterhead's Buchanhaven, as well as in Mintlaw and Fraserburgh.

The Italian Connection 
(excerpt from "Mine Eyes Have Seen The Glory" © George Ritchie 2002)
Many of the original native Italian imigrants to Peterhead in the 20's and 30's were related. Joe Ferrari, who had his chip shop in Rose Street, was the brother of Sandy Ferrari and their sister was Mrs. Flora Zanre, wife of Luigi, original owner of Zanres.
Veronica, wife of Louie Becci, owner of the Swan restaurant in the Backgate was aunt to Victor Bicocchi, proprietor of the Kit Kat Cafe in Queen Street. Louie and Veronica Becci were the parents of 'Mando' - well known clarinet player in the 50's Modernaires dance band.


Restaurant staff


Motor racing sponsors


One of the Zanres fleet
Louie Becci was the 'God-father' of Peterhead's 'chipper-azi'. He was a genial old gentleman and often on the end of quite a  few stories. Folklore has it that Louie, when he first came to Peterhead, had bought a single large cod at the market, he then placed it behind him to speak to a friend. Some joker then replaced the cod with a skate and when Louie turned to pick up his fish, he exclaimed "Michty me - faz trunpit on-eh meh codlin?"

The legend of Italian owned fish and chip shops in Peterhead is kept alive by Eddie Mair and his team at Zanres.

Another example of the humour of the Italian fish & chip owners was this genuine advertisement leaflet from the 1930's:

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Website April Fool 2003
The following was posted on this website to mark it's launch on April 1st 2003:

"Whether it's the sight of golden battered Fish which sets your taste buds tingling - or the gentle waft of vinegar from a bag of crispy chips, we have a treat in store for you.

This unique ground breaking website allows you to enjoy  nasal-interaction. If you move closer to your computer and breath in deeply through your nose, you should be able to smell the top quality fish supper. This sensory delight requires you to have your speakers switched on and Windows Media Player & DirectX 7 or above installed. If you have difficulties, please contact us sniffinternet@zanres.co.uk."

Website April Fool 2006
The following was posted on this website on 1st April 2006:

31.03.2006 NEWS:
With possible future shortages of traditional fish supplies, Zanres have recently been in contact with Professor Phil Fraseritt at the Canadian Centre for Aquaculture and Seafood Development in St. Johns, Newfoundland, who have been developing techniques to successfully farm Cod in large numbers. One benefit to farmed fish is the dietary control it provides. Scientists have been experimenting with feeding the Cod on a diet of mainly potatoes, to which the Cod are responding well. When fried, the resultant Cod flesh has a distinct flavour and texture, which is a cross between fish and chip. If taste-trials go well, it is hoped to introduce the combined fish-chip to Zanres’ North-East customers later this year.

Volunteers are currently being sought, to test this new delicacy when it arrives in Peterhead early in April. If you are an experienced fish and chip eater who would be willing to take part in these fish-chip taste trials, please e-mail: tasters@zanres.co.uk.



The following appeared in a national daily newspaper a few years ago:

Head office: 35 Queen Street, Peterhead, Scotland. Tel: 01779 477128 info@zanres.co.uk