Jackie Lennox’s chip shop, a local staple in Cork for 73 years, saw humongous lines in the days leading up to its closure on Sunday. With no time for sentimentality just yet, the staff has been extremely occupied. Saturday’s overwhelming rush was akin to the biblical torrent that sent Noah on a frantic quest for the Ark. However, at the Cork chips institution, the focus was on Brian Lennox and his sisters Mary and Frances, who were tirelessly rustling up fish and chips en masse much like the New Testament’s loaves-and-fishes tale.
Brian Lennox reminisced earlier this week about a Good Friday half a century ago where they peeled a metric ton of potatoes and half that of cod and haddock. Yet surprisingly, the present demand surpassed those once astonishing figures. “By our estimation, the amount of fish and chips ordered since we announced the closure on Monday has doubled. The masses queued up has been phenomenal,” Brian exclaimed amidst the orchestra of sizzling fryers and shouted orders.
In the preceding week, Bandon Road, 98 Street, and Noonan Road saw endless queues each day. Although an orange rain warning persisted, loyal patrons braved the weather, sometimes waiting over two hours for their final feast from Lennox’s. Alan Vaughan and his son Scott (15) had travelled 20km from Belgooly in south Cork for their last takeaway. At their home, Deborah and Erika (13) eagerly awaited the meal. The family had spent over two hours in the line. “I used to frequent this place back in the day. I’ve crossed the river for my wife, who’s from the other side of town, and just as earnestly for my chips from Lennox’s,” Alan jested.
In the early 2000s, Alan and Michelle Deegan were regulars at Lennox’s during their time at UCC. As soon as they received news of its closure, they took a quick trip from Fermoy to enjoy one last meal at the famed diner. Michelle pointed out that they enjoyed the special chips when she used to nurse at CUH (Cork University Hospital) and they just had to relive the memory one last time, despite the rain. They planned to enjoy their chips in the car.
Not only locals were fond of Lennox’s. Among the customers lining up were newcomers to Cork like Juan Llorente from Belgium and his Mexican girlfriend, Eva Lopez. Despite Belgian pride in their chips, Juan had a soft spot for those from Lennox’s.
Ahead in line were friends from Brazil; Gustavo Hirae, Maria Ohana and Matheus Sousa, hailing from São Paulo. Gustavo highlighted the absence of “chippers” in Brazil with only beachside fish frying being a close comparison. However, he still felt that the fish and chips at Lennox’s were far superior.
Larry Ryan made the trip from the Glen of Aherlow in Co Tipperary with his son Elijah Ó Riain (12). Larry’s father used to visit Lennox’s when he was stationed in Cork during the Emergency and stayed afterwards, making it something of a family tradition. Larry himself visited when he was studying at Cork RTC (training college). When Elijah got to taste the chips himself, he understood why Lennox’s was so acclaimed.
Louise Kingston from Clonakilty was also there, queuing under a shared umbrella with Larry and Elijah. She came with her husband, Paudie Kissane, a former Cork footballer and their two children Sophie (10) and Sam (8), who were patient in the car while she queued up.
Paudie and I frequented the place, yet it was a novel experience for both Sophie and Sam. The eatery is renowned for their delectable chips, one-of-a-kind potato pies, and wonderfully garnished curry; we dared to ignore a rain forecast to travel from Clon as we wanted the children to enjoy the culinary delights, which they indeed did.
Resuming to the eating joint, with Saturday night’s final call approaching, John Constant and Finbarr Ahern remained busy relishing their culinary treats. They aligned themselves at a bench, underneath a monochrome photograph of Jackie and Eileen Lennox, captured on their 1951 matrimonial occasion. The same year encapsulates the inception of the chips establishment.
In John’s words, he shares a schooling background with Martin Lennox, hence his visit to the establishment since his adolescent years spanning over half a century. He expressed his dismay over the impending closure, praising the staff, the patron family, and their food emphatically, terming it as an end of a significant period.