Falmouth Finds Gem traditional fish and chips shop takeaway

When Sean Stratton bought Gem just a few years ago, fish and chips weren't exactly part of his career plan.

After spending years working in the maritime industry around the world, a health scare prompted him to rethink his future.

Looking for a complete change of direction, Sean bought the building, attracted by the mix of residential flats and the commercial premises below.

When the previous owner, who had run Gem for 21 years, decided it was time to retire, Sean suddenly found himself the owner of one of Falmouth's best-loved chippies.

"I had two weeks of training before being thrown in at the deep end," Sean laughs.

"The first six months were incredibly tough and there were definitely moments when I wondered what I'd taken on."

Rather than changing everything overnight, Sean adopted what he calls an "evolution, not a revolution" approach.

The aim was to modernise the business while respecting the loyal customers who had supported Gem for decades.

The restaurant and takeaway have both been completely refreshed with a new kitchen, counters, décor, seating, windows and even a dedicated ice cream counter.

Gem Fish & Chips in Falmouth is now owned by Sean Stratton (Image: Falmouth BID)

Local artwork now hangs on the walls, music plays in the background and the whole space feels bright, welcoming and contemporary.

But Sean knew appearances would only take the business so far.

"I wanted to nail the food first," he says. "If you get the quality and consistency right, everything else follows."

Today, Gem remains proudly traditional, serving the fish and chip shop favourites customers know and love, all coated in Sean's closely guarded batter recipe.

Alongside the classics are seasonal specials, from tempura prawns to battered onion bhajis served with curry sauce and grated cheddar, while the restaurant also showcases a carefully selected range of Cornish beers, wines and ciders, including Verdant, Camel Valley and Polgoon.

One area Sean has worked particularly hard on is accessibility.

Gem now offers one of the most extensive gluten-free menus you'll find in a fish and chip shop, with everything from fish and sausages to onion rings, gravy and curry sauce available for gluten-sensitive customers.

Large haddock and chips (Image: Gem Fish & Chips)

Perhaps what Sean is proudest of, though, isn't the food at all.

Many of his team join Gem while still at school, taking on their very first job. Sean sees it as an opportunity to do more than simply employ young people.

"I love watching them grow in confidence," he says. "We help with interview skills, CVs and building a work ethic they'll take into whatever career they choose."

That investment in the next generation sits alongside a wider commitment to doing things responsibly.

Gem is entirely plastic free, with compostable takeaway packaging earning recognition through Plastic Free awards.

Today, Gem consistently ranks among the highest-rated fish and chip shops in Falmouth, something Sean is immensely proud of. "I love this job," he says.

"We've kept everything people loved about Gem while giving it a fresh lease of life."