Colin Fassnidge scouts fish and chip shop sites on Sydney's lower north shore

Fine dining chefs are up to their elbows in hamburger mince and roast chicken stuffing, and now the owner-chef from twin-hatted Four in Hand Dining Room is set to follow with his own fast food spin-off.

Colin Fassnidge has been spotted touring sites on the lower north shore for a fish and chip venture. "Yes, I am keen. It'll do takeaway but be more of a fish cafe," says the Irish chef. "We haven't signed on a site, but it'll open next year."

While he's more used to working with buttermilk curd than batter at his Paddington restaurant, Fassnidge believes the lower north shore is perfect turf for a simple seafood cafe using good produce: "Part of it for me is nostalgia for my youth, but I also think there's a great market there for families."

Catholic churches are evidently still good for fish sales too. "I went past a seafood place near a church on a Friday and it was packed," Fassnidge says.