Jul 2011 - Issue 5 - National Federation of Fish Friers

THE fish friers REVIEW
52
10 questions:
...with Victoria Hopkins
Based in Pudsey, Leeds, Victoria Hopkins is
Sales and Marketing Director for Hopkins
Catering Ltd. Established by her Grandfather
Vince Hopkins in 1957, the Hopkins name
remains synonymous with quality British
range manufacture as well as supplying a
wide range of catering equipment and
engineering services.
1. If you could go back to any period in history when would it be?
I’d go back to the late 80’s/early 90’s and have a little chat with my
teenage self. I’d say, “Put the cigarettes down – smoking is not cool.
Listen to your parents – they really do know what they’re talking about.
Leave the fluorescent day-glo legwarmers, ra-ra skirt and dodgy perm to
Madonna – there’s photographic evidence that will come back to haunt
you. Also, that strange thing you’ll hear about in the future... Google...
buy shares in it!!!”
2. If you were a super hero what would be your special power?
I’d like to be able to read people’s minds and I’d also love to be able to
mend people’s broken hearts.
3. If you were to open a fish and chip shop what would you call it?
Oh My Cod!
4. What’s your favorite dessert?
Treacle sponge and custard.
5. Describe your perfect Sunday?
As long as I’m with my lovely little girl
spending some quality time together,
having fun, laughing lots and making memories – I’m happy.
6. Where is your favorite Holiday destination?
The Far East, but especially Bali.
7. What is your fondest childhood memory?
When I was quite young I was on holiday in Ireland with my parents and
one day we were driving around the countryside and randomly my Dad
decided to climb a mountain. It was hard work as it was very steep in
places, I was cold, bored, miserable and whiney (sorry Dad!) and kept
asking to go back down. He refused and made me keep going and I’m
so glad he did because when we got to the top it was the most
breathtakingly beautiful view – I’d never seen anything like it before. I
learned a very valuable life lesson on that climb and my Dad still reminds
me of it if ever I’m going through a tough time.
8. What’s the first record you bought?
It was in 1989 and I bought Bananarama’s
“Help” with French & Saunders – the
single they released for Comic relief and
Sam Brown’s ‘Stop’.
9. Where do you see Fish and Chips in 20 years’ time?
I think the global food supply chain will have changed radically and there
will be a huge consumer led demand for healthy sustainable food. The
fish & chip industry has a real opportunity to pioneer and embed a culture
of sustainability within the fast food market, and thus gain a real
competitive advantage. As clichéd as this sounds – sustainability isn’t a
buzz word, it’s the future.
10. Which do you prefer Cod or Haddock?
Ooooh – it’s tough one, but I’m going to go with haddock.
Issue 5 July 2011