A beloved fish and chip eatery is embracing nostalgia by reintroducing a classic menu item for a mere 20p. Nassar Iqbal, affectionately known as ‘Uncle Nas’ in Birmingham, has long been a fixture in the city’s dining landscape, transitioning from a local restaurant proprietor to establishing Hot Spot in Billesley back in 2004.

In a bid to engage with younger audiences on TikTok, Uncle Nas is offering a special deal of 20p traditional chips – prepared in the old-fashioned manner with only salt and vinegar, eschewing modern condiments. The initiative aims to provide today’s youth, who may have missed out on the simple joy of an affordable post-school snack, the opportunity to relish it.

On January 14, between 3pm and 5pm, Uncle Nas will serve up piping hot servings of chips for just 20p, aiming to evoke nostalgic memories for his older patrons and offer a novel experience for the younger generation.

In an interview with Birmingham Live, Uncle Nas shared, “The TikTok generation following us is unaware that chips used to cost 20p. In the 80s, we would sneak out of school at lunchtime, head to the chip shop, and savor 20p chips with extra salt and vinegar.” He added, “To reintroduce that experience and evoke memories for them, we decided to bring it back.”

However, maintaining the 20p price point for chips indefinitely is not sustainable in 2026 due to escalating costs impacting chip shops nationwide. Uncle Nas acknowledged the challenges posed by rising prices of essential ingredients like potatoes, oil, gas, and particularly cod. He noted a shift in consumer preferences towards trendy options like smash burgers and peri peri chicken, indicating that chips are now more commonly enjoyed by adults.

Despite these challenges, Uncle Nas has garnered a new audience through his social media presence, with Hot Spot amassing over a million likes on TikTok and attracting 29.8k followers. The platform has not only helped him connect with a broader community but also enabled him to spread positive messages and combat societal issues like Islamophobia.

Through their social media platforms, Hot Spot showcases stories of the chip shop’s history and loyal clientele, emphasizing their commitment to serving the local community. While the era of budget-friendly meals may have waned, Uncle Nas remains dedicated to supporting his patrons and keeping prices as affordable as possible, despite the competitive market landscape.