‘End of an era', cry devastated customers as Paolo Nutini's dad retires from iconic family chippy

Scottish Sun

08-05-2025

It has been run by the family for a staggering 111 years
LAST REQUEST 'End of an era', cry devastated customers as Paolo Nutini's dad retires from iconic family chippy
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PAOLO Nutini's fish-frying dad has hung up his apron after more than 50 years running the family chippy.
Alfredo's granddad Giovanni opened Castelvecchi in Paisley after moving from Barga in Italy in 1914.
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Alfredo Nutini is hanging up his apron and retiring
Credit: Tom Farmer
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Billy Sloan joined Paolo for the final fish supper served by his dad
Credit: Instagram
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Alfredo's granddad Giovanni opened Castelvecchi in 1914
Credit: Google
Crooner Paolo, 38, worked in the iconic restaurant as a teenager before launching his successful music career.
Alfredo is handing over the reins to a colleague as he has decided to retire and have a "well-earned rest".
BBC journalist Billy Sloan joined Paolo for the final fish supper served by his dad.
Sharing a picture of the moment, he wrote on Instagram: "LAST night I was invited out to dinner by Paolo Nutini, but it was a dinner with a difference.
"I was honoured to be served the final fish supper by the singer's father Alfredo in Castelvecchi, the famous family chippy in Paisley.
"After 53 faithful years at his fish fryer he's retiring and is finally taking a well earned rest to spend more time with his lovely wife, Linda.
"Castelvecchi takes its name from Alfredo's Italian grandfather. It started as a single-storey shop - with a THATCHED roof - in 1914 and has been run by the family for a staggering 111 years.
"But the place is NOT closing down. Alfredo is handing the chip basket over to a colleague and it will be business as usual.
"The old fashioned style chippy is brilliant. It's no surprise that the beautiful interior has been used for several movies and TV dramas over the years. And what was on the menu?
"Paolo tucked into haddock 'n' chips... with a side of a single hamburger and a dish of curry sauce for dipping.
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"While I also demolished a haddock supper - plus a few pickled onions - with a deep fried black pudding chaser. Paolo looked like he hadn't gained an ounce in weight … but I had to loosen my belt a wee notch.
"My plan to have a quick kebab on the way up the road was swiftly abandoned. I couldn't even have eaten an After Eight mint. I was stuffed.
"The diet definitely starts tomorrow. My thanks to Paolo and the Nutini clan for a brilliant night. And it was great to be part of a wee bit of Paisley history.
"Check out Castelvecchi - at No. 10 New Street - it's dynamite!"
Punters flocked to the comments to react to the bittersweet announcement.
One wrote: "A brilliant spot for a 'sit doon'! End of an era."
Another said: "This is brilliant, a great way to mark a cultural legacy."
A third added: "Absolutely brilliant, I put on half a stone just looking at that!"
Rangers legend Ally McCoist weighed in: "Superb."
The chippy boasts a 4.5 star rating on TripAdvisor, where punters call it an "excellent traditional fish and chip shop" and an "utter classic".
One chart-topping singer was recently spotted popping in for lunch before a gig in Paisley town centre.