Commercial lease secured for Oldham’s iconic Levers Fish & Chip Shop

After 35 years at Tommyfield Market, much-loved fish and chip shop Levers has opened the doors to its new home at Spindles, taking a little piece of Oldham’s culinary heritage with it.

About Levers Fish & Chip Shop

For generations of Oldham residents, Levers has been about more than fish and chips. It’s a familiar face in the town centre, a favourite stop for loyal customers and a business with a special place in Oldham’s history.

Now, the much-loved chippy is beginning an exciting new chapter.

Run by Savvas Eleftheriou and George Gabrilatsou, Levers officially opened its new premises at Spindles on Saturday, 22 August, following 35 years at Tommyfield Market. The move marks a significant milestone for the business, bringing a fond farewell to its long-standing home and the start of a new era in the heart of Oldham.

Grand opening of the new Levers chippy

The move to Spindles was celebrated with a special grand opening, bringing customers together to mark the occasion.

The celebrations included a Greek Orthodox blessing, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, special offers, treats and giveaways, with customers turning out to welcome Levers to its new home.

For Savvas and George, seeing familiar faces walk through the doors was an exciting moment and a reminder of the loyal community that has supported the business over the years.

As they explained:

“Levers has been part of Oldham for generations and Tommyfield will always be a very special part of our story.

“We are incredibly proud of our history and of the customers who have supported us over the years. Moving after 35 years was a huge step for us, but seeing everyone come through the doors at Spindles has made it incredibly exciting.

“We want our customers to know that while the address has changed, Levers is still Levers. We have taken everything that people love about us into our new home at Spindles and we are looking forward to welcoming our customers, old and new, for many years to come.”

Levers move to Spindles

Levers’ move is about more than a change of address. It also reflects the changing face of Oldham town centre and the continuing story of one of the town’s most recognisable food traditions.

Tommyfield Market holds a special place in Oldham’s heritage. A blue plaque at the market commemorates the site’s claim to be the home of the first British fried chip, recording that the first chips were fried in Oldham around 1860.

The origins of fish and chips are the subject of competing historical claims, but there is no doubt that Tommyfield has become closely associated with the story of this much-loved British dish.

For many years, the blue plaque stood outside Levers’ long-established premises, creating a fitting connection between the business, the market and Oldham’s culinary past.

As the historic Tommyfield site makes way for the next phase of town-centre regeneration, Levers is moving forward too.

Its new home at Spindles means the business can continue serving its loyal customer base while remaining firmly rooted in the town centre. The new indoor market at Spindles also carries forward the Tommyfield name and heritage, helping to maintain that connection with Oldham’s past.

Existing a commercial lease

A move after 35 years in one location is a significant undertaking for any business. Alongside the practical preparations, there were important legal arrangements to put in place to ensure Levers could leave its existing premises and establish itself at Spindles.

Gary Jones, Commercial Property Solicitor at Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers, advised Savvas and George on surrendering their existing lease at Tommyfield Market and securing the new lease at Spindles.

“There is something particularly fitting about helping Levers move from one chapter of Oldham’s history into another.” said Gary Jones.

“For decades, Tommyfield has been at the heart of Oldham life, and the blue plaque is a reminder of the town’s extraordinary connection with the history of fish and chips. Levers has become part of that story in its own right and has built an incredible following over many years.”

“Our role was to help Savvas and George bring the existing lease at Tommyfield to an end and secure the new lease at Spindles, allowing the business to continue its journey in the town centre.”

“After 35 years, this was a significant move, but it was also an exciting one. Seeing Levers open its doors at Spindles is a great milestone for the business, and we are delighted to have played a part in helping this Oldham institution secure its next chapter.” added Gary.

The work highlights the importance of getting the legal details right when a business relocates, particularly when it involves commercial leases, established trading premises and a long-standing presence in the local community.

With the right arrangements in place, businesses can move forward with confidence and focus on what they do best.

Supporting local businesses

Levers has been part of Oldham’s food scene since 1980, with its Albion Street shop opening in 1991. Over the years, Savvas and George have helped build a strong reputation for the business, making it a familiar and much-loved part of the town’s everyday life.

The move to Spindles represents an opportunity to build on that legacy and introduce the business to a new generation of customers, while continuing to welcome those who have been visiting for years.

For Pearson Solicitors, helping Levers secure its new premises has been an opportunity to support a well-known local business through an important transition.

Oldham is changing, but the town’s independent businesses remain a vital part of its identity. Levers’ move shows how established businesses can embrace new opportunities while keeping their history and community connections close.

After 35 years at Tommyfield, the next chapter of the Levers story is now under way at Spindles and there are plenty more portions of fish and chips to come.

How can we help?

Whether you’re relocating your business, negotiating a new commercial lease or bringing an existing agreement to an end, Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers can help you understand your options and navigate the legal process.

For legal advice contact our commercial property solicitors on 0161 785 3500 or email enquiries@pearsonlegal.co.uk to find out how we can help your business.

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Please note that the information and opinions contained in this article are not intended to be comprehensive, nor to provide legal advice. No responsibility for its accuracy or correctness is assumed by Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers Ltd or any of its members or employees. Professional legal advice should be obtained before taking, or refraining from taking, any action as a result of this article.