Bek’s is a long established chip shop on Wolverhampton Street in Darlaston. Last year they opened their first franchise with a new shop in Aldridge. This arrangement recently came to an end with the Aldridge store taking on a new name. I decided to revisit both places to see which was best in an exciting head to head, belt busting investigation.

Bek’s. 10A Wolverhampton Street, Darlaston.

I’d been pondering this blog since the break up was announced by both parties on Facebook. Friday the 23rd was pay day. It was drizzling as I left work. I could have ambled home in the rain, or simply crossed the road and jumped on the 39 which would drop me by Bek’s. I gave myself the casting vote and opted for the latter.

This was my 3rd visit to original Bek’s but my first time reviewing it. I’d meant to on the maiden visit but that time I couldn’t get a shot of the exterior of the shop as there was a lass wearing jeans in the window and I didn’t want passers by thinking I was taking a picture of her arse. On the second visit I was just too excited.

There were no customers as I arrived this time so I got served straight away. On the first visit we had the additional entertainment of a drunk version of Mavis from Open All Hours trying to decide what he wanted to order so it was a shame he wasn’t about.

Cheesy Chips leapt out of the menu at me but I’d seen a Facebook post a couple of days earlier boasting of Bek’s new secret thick tasty chicken coating so I went for 2 pieces of that with battered chips. I’m currently trying to see how long I can go without a KFC (day 33 as I type this) so this was an easy decision.

I wasn’t expecting a drink but he handed me a paper cup and pointed me in the direction of the self service machine. I’ve not drank pop in over a year so went for the sugar free option of Pepsi Max as I love that even though the current “make it better” radio ads infuriate me. The meal came to £6.70.

The lad serving was very pleasant and wished me a good weekend as I left, and I love little things like that. The bag he handed me with the food in was huge. Anybody going past would have pointed and muttered “look how much food he’s got. Hope it’s not all for him the fat fuck.”

The food then? Lots of battered chips which were epic and the chicken, well it was two decent sized pieces and I thoroughly enjoyed the lot. If I still lived and worked in Darlaston I’d be here all the time. My Bank Manager and Doctor however are probably chuffed that I don’t.

The Parade, 8 Croft Parade Aldridge.

What was Bek’s in Aldridge is now called The Parade. When it opened as Bek’s myself and a former friend visited on the second day. As I shovelled my food down me he seemed more interested in trying to make friends with every customer that walked in. I remember thinking leave them alone, they want to order their fish and chips in peace then go home and demolish them. I did ponder the following week if there were discussions along the lines of “shall we go to Bek’s again?” “God no, that odd man might be there again.

I arrived this time a bit damp as it was raining. Standard behaviour from Mother Nature these days. A family were being served affording me time to study the menu. I wanted chicken and chips again (a) so I could do a like for like comparison and (b) as I’m still doing KFC cold turkey – day 40 as I write this. I feel like Jesus in the desert.

I appreciate that my eyesight has seen better days but I really couldn’t see chicken and chips on the menu. When I got served the lady confirmed they don’t do it. They only do chicken in nugget, strips or burger form. I don’t mind ordering nuggets in McDonalds but in a chip shop it feels it seems a bit kids menuesque for me so I went for the mini fish. chips and gravy which came to £5.50.

Service was quick and to doge the rain I opted to eat in. All the Bek’s history has gone off the wall to be replaced by a big picture of what I assume to be an American city.

The sexy yellow chairs remain though so I plonked myself down in the same position as my previous visit, I like consistency like that. The music was Heart FM and the first song was “This Love” by Maroon 5, a band in joint second place on my list of artists I’ve seen live the most times so no problem there.

Food was good, fish was amazing and at the bottom of the box was some of those battered bits that are so delish.

This was another good visit and with it’s location a couple of the doors away from the epic Turtles Head micropub it’s a good option when visiting Aldridge.

So which is best? I’m going to go all Harry Hill. I like Bek’s. I like The Parade. “Fiiiiight”. I’m going to cop out to be honest. I saw a reply on Twitter once to the ongoing who is better Ronaldo or Messi debate which was “can’t we just enjoy both?” and that’s the angle I’m going for here.