The owners of one of Swindon's most popular takeaways are set to call time after years of working behind the counter.

For more than two decades, people have enjoyed the service of the Phillips family who have most recently run Cricklade Road's Phillip's Fish and Chips.

But in a post on Facebook, Joe Phillips confirmed his parents, Robin and Donna, were stepping away and the store was shutting.

He said: "I’m sad to say that our family chip shop will be closing, in the next few weeks it will be under new management but will stay as a fish and chip shop.

Swindon Advertiser: Phillips Fish and Chips

"Thank you for all the customers supporting my parents and their shops for the past 22 years.

"They are ready to enjoy their lives and to start their new adventures."

Robin and Donna have stood behind the counter of more than one fish and chip shop in Swindon.

Their work at the Frying Fish in Drove Road saw them voted best in the west by the West Country Cooking Awards.

But they have also grown a strong reputation at their most recent and current establishment. 

In 2021, the popular chippy won the Swindon Advertiser’s best fish and chips competition with this paper's readers raving about it as the best in Swindon. 

The shop’s glowing reviews even led to the social media channel Food Review Club, which is on a mission to find the best places to eat in the UK, paying the town’s humble eatery a visit to see for themselves, giving it an 8.5 rating out of 10. 

We then reviewed it in 2023 and it certainly lived up to the hype on all accounts. 

So this new development is a big blow for fans of the place, and judging from the frequent queues outside, there are certainly a lot of them. 

Joe added: "I would also like to say well done to both of my parents for the hard work and dedication they’ve put into always selling delicious food at an affordable price and making sure every customer leaves with a smile.

While the Gorse Hill takeaway will reopen under new ownership, many have reacted to the news of the Phillips family calling time on their running of the venue with dismay. 

One person said: "I can't believe it, I love that place."

Another added: "It feels like they've been there for as long as I can remember, I wish them all the best but I'm gutted."