I did a night shift at Crispy

I am Crispy’s biggest fan, and proud.  Consequently, it was a dream come true to be welcomed to work a Friday night shift, at one of Leeds’ greatest kebab shops.

For five hours I was invited behind the counter to see for myself how these men manage to get their chips to cheese ratio right every single time. From serving drunk staggering Shepherds to slicing the meat on the doner, I truly saw it all.

Every moment brought a new surprise: from being trusted to handle the till, to declining a Candy Cane as a means of payment.

Yet, the most exciting prospect was rifling through the lost property. I was lucky enough to gain an inflatable fish, reindeer antlers, and a ring binder, all within the first 45 minutes of my shift.

I am clearly not alone in my love for Crispy. When serving Frank and Dan, they were proud to tell me: “Last week we ordered from Crispy four nights in a row”.  A solid attempt, but they are yet to beat my record of six nights.

When the clock struck midnight, the infamous Crispy rave began. The lights were turned off, the disco ball appeared, and Fuse ODG was blasted through the speakers.  Undoubtedly, it is this, and this alone,  that truly makes the Crispy experience.

Will told me: “I came for the Crispy disco and I wasn’t disappointed. The ambiance was to die for.”

One of the best parts was soberly seeing the people who came in. It appears that students travel far and wide, on a Pilgrimage, for a famous Crispy jumbo battered sausage.

So much so, Sarah, a regular Crispy-er, told me she left her own house party to walk to Crispy, and then to walk back again, all for a big portion of chips. To be fair, who can blame her?

The staff at Crispy were the kindest, most generous and welcoming men with the best stories.  My favourite had to be from Baz, who has worked at Crispy for four months. He told me: “One time, someone wanted  nuggets so badly, she flashed us. Then we gave her the nuggets”

Baz, Hassan, Sasa and the entire Crispy Family, welcomed me in like one of their own. By the end of the night they were all calling me Boss, ensuring all orders were taken by me. Seeing it from the inside, I can truly say Crispy never lets you down, and I cannot wait for many more nourishing Chips, Cheese & Gravy.