It has been a fast climb to local popularity for Battle Ground’s newest food cart, Winston’s British Fish and Chips, located on the Founder’s Mercantile property in Old Town.
The food cart, owned by Battle Ground resident Timothy Johnson, has only been in existence for two-and-a-half years. Its new home is in Battle Ground’s Old Town as of this month. The menu is the foundation of the eatery, having been crafted from recipes used in Buckingham Palace for Queen Elizabeth II.
“This is my home. I’m here for life, and Winston’s is here for life,” Johnson said of Winston’s British Fish and Chips moving to Battle Ground from Vancouver.
When Johnson retired from his job of 25 years, a childhood memory of British-style fish and chips in Portland inspired his next endeavor. Johnson quickly gathered up all available domains for “BritishFishNChips” as well as a Washington State LLC and a trademark.
When Johnson was researching the most authentic British fish and chips possible, one single name consistently popped up. The name was Darren McGrady, “The Royal Chef.” McGrady was the former personal chef to Queen Elizabeth II for 11 years, head chef of Buckingham Palace, head chef of the House of Windsor and then the personal chef of Princess Diana Spencer of Wales for four years until her tragic death.
Johnson said McGrady moved to Dallas, Texas, and became a well-known celebrity chef.
After landing a meeting with McGrady, Winston’s British Fish and Chips was born. McGrady created the menu, providing recipes he used for the royal family and heads of state who visited Buckingham Palace, teaching staff and more.
“I was in for a real education,” Johnson said of learning under McGrady for a year.
Some of that education includes learning that 70% of people in the United Kingdom prefer curry sauce for their fish and chips, which Johnson said has been a huge hit for a sauce on the Winston menu.
The menu also expands from fish and chips to smoked cod chowder, British sausage rolls, wings, favorite desserts of the royal family and more.
After a successful time in Vancouver — having come to a close due to issues with Vancouver’s building department — Johnson decided to make the move to his current home town of Battle Ground after feedback from community members.
“I’ve lived in Battle Ground for 14 years,” Johnson said. “Battle Ground is my home. This is the best city I’ve ever lived in. I love Battle Ground. … The business here, the reception here from Battle Ground, we’re doing better than we did in Vancouver.”
After the quick climb to local renown and continued success, Johnson was approached by some major players in Clark County’s entertainment scene, which has led to Winston’s Fish and Chips being a staple at the Cascades Amphitheater this season. The upcoming Clark County Fair will make the business’s first year of being the official fish and chip and provider of summer’s biggest party at the fairgrounds.
After planting the British flag in Battle Ground, Johnson said he is looking to become more involved in community events and celebrations as well as local fundraisers.
For more information and to view the full menu, visit winstonsbritishfishnchips.com. Winston’s British Fish and Chips is located behind Founder’s Mercantile at 317 E. Main St. in Battle Ground and is open Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
