A familiar face who has dedicated more than four decades to one of Wetherby's best-known fish and chip restaurants is preparing to retire after a remarkable 42-year career.

Mark Savage is stepping down as Senior Manager at Wetherby Whaler, having joined the family-owned fish and chip restaurant group as a teenager and gone on to become one of its longest-serving and most recognisable figures.

Mark joined the company on January 5, 1984, after initially being asked to provide just two evenings of management cover through his parents, who owned a fish shop in Shadwell.

What was meant to be a short-term favour quickly became a lifelong career.

Mark Savage, Senior Manager at Wetherby Whaler, is retiring after 42 years with the family-owned fish and chip restaurant, having helped train generations of staff and become one of its longest-serving and most recognisable faces

placeholder image — Mark Savage, Senior Manager at Wetherby Whaler, is retiring after 42 years with the family-owned fish and chip restaurant, having helped train generations of staff and become one of its longest-serving and most recognisable faces

Recalling his first shift, Mark admitted it was “a bit scary”, having been shown the fish pan, handed a set of keys and left to get on with the job.

He said: “It was a very different time.

“The fish and chip trade in those days as being full of big characters, long shifts and plenty of fun.

“I did not imagine that, more than 40 years later, I would still be part of the Wetherby Whaler family.”

Over the next four decades, Mark progressed from shift leader to branch manager, general manager and eventually senior manager, helping oversee the company's continued growth while remaining passionate about the traditional craft of producing quality fish and chips.

Rather than focusing on job titles, however, Mark said his proudest achievement had always been the people he worked alongside.

He has trained countless employees during his time with the business, many of who went on to build successful careers of their own.

“They make me proud,” he said.

Mark believes Wetherby Whaler has always been more than simply a workplace.

Describing it as “a family”, he praised colleagues at every level of the business for their commitment and willingness to lead by example, while reflecting fondly on the many young people who began their working lives in the company's restaurants.

For many, it was their first experience of dealing with customers, and Mark said helping them develop confidence and pride in their work had been one of the most rewarding aspects of his career.

The memories, meanwhile, are countless.

Among Mark's favourite memories are being thrown into a bath of water and covered in flour on his birthday, and chauffeuring a colleague to her wedding in his father's polished car.

He also fondly recalls serving fish and chips to the President of the Yorkshire Rotary Club at a garden lunch, although the event took an unexpected turn when a few drops of rain landed in the hot fish pan, prompting what he joked was an "exit stage left” moment.

The job also brought encounters with several famous faces.

Former England football manager Sir Bobby Robson once stopped by after watching a match in Wetherby and complimented what he described as "the best cod and chips" he had ever eaten.

Mark has always smiled at the memory, knowing the restaurant only serves haddock.

On another occasion, football stars Kevin Keegan and Peter Beardsley visited to collect a team order, while comedy duo The Krankies also made an appearance.

Looking back, Mark believes the company's family values and commitment to quality were the reasons he remained with Wetherby Whaler for so long.

He said: “Fish and chips isn't a job – it's an art.”

As he prepares for retirement, Mark has thanked company directors Phillip and Janine, colleagues past and present, and the many loyal customers who have become friends over the years.

Paying tribute to his long service, Wetherby Whaler thanked Mark for his dedication and the lasting impact he has had on the business over the past 42 years.

A spokesperson at Wetherby Whaler said: “Mark’s story is one of loyalty, hard work, humour and heart.

“For 42 years, he has helped shape Wetherby Whaler from the inside out.

"He has trained teams, supported colleagues, served generations of customers, represented the business with pride and brought his own unmistakable personality to everything he has done.

“As he prepares for his next chapter, everyone at Wetherby Whaler would like to say a heartfelt thank you.

“Thank you, Mark, for the years, the laughs, the leadership, the standards and the memories.”

After more than four decades at the fryer, Mark leaves behind not only a remarkable career but also a lasting legacy across one of Yorkshire's most recognisable hospitality businesses.