A FAMILIAR face has returned to a popular Minehead fish and chips bar to restart a business she had to leave 10 years ago.

“I have been overwhelmed by people welcoming me back,” said 58-year-old Kully Kaur, who collected eight top industry awards during the 14 years she ran the Bampton Street shop before leaving after the break-up of her first marriage.

Kully said: “It is like coming home.

“Wherever I go, people are saying ‘it’s great to have you back’.

“Customers who were children when I was last here now have children of their own, and I find I can remember everybody’s names.”

Kully moved away from Minehead and when she heard the Bampton Street fish shop had closed and was for sale, she bought it at auction in 2020.

She let it until last August, but is now personally back in charge.

Kully said: “When the marriage ended, we both wanted to keep the shop, but I gave in and went to live with my sister in Ilford before taking a leasehold fish and chip shop in the Midlands.

“Sadly, the Minehead business went downhill because it did not have the same relationship with the customers.

“I was heartbroken to leave - the customers were my friends.

“I love the job and decided to have a go at bringing the Bampton Street shop back to its previous high standard.

“I love a challenge and am thrilled the business is growing as people hear I have come back.”

Kully also sells second-hand books, as she did previously, with the proceeds going to Minehead RNLI.

She said: “In the past I raised £1,000 in a year, and have started to do that again.

“Minehead is a lovely place with lovely people.

“I have also been married to my second husband, Bob, for nearly seven years, another dream come true.”