Britain's high streets have been dealt another blow after the country's largest fish and chip chain sold off nine of its outlets. The sales come as Deep Blue Restaurants looks to focus on growing its popular Harry Ramsden's brand as part of a strategic reshuffle, according to reports.

The company's latest accounts show nine Deep Blue sites were sold between October 2024 and May 2025. It is said proceeds of the sales will be used to revamp some of the Harry Ramsden's restaurants, as well as fund national and international marketing campaigns. It comes as figures show Deep Blue Restaurants has experienced a drop in sales.

Turnover fell by 2.5% to £22.9 million, while gross profit decreased by 1.2% to £15.8 million in the year to September 2024, reports The Caterer.

Its pre-tax losses reduced to £2.2 million, down from £3.6 million the year before, and the group has also secured £5.57 million in debt funding for between October 2024 and February this year, according to reports.

Writing in his firm's accounts, the group's chief executive James Fleming said: "As in prior years, global events, the cost of living crisis and food cost inflation continued to present headwinds to trading in the first three quarters of FY 2025.

"Despite this, performance has been robust. Looking at the sites on a like for like basis (to account for the disposal of some stores) the group is trading in line with the budget set at the start of the year.

"Continued success with the franchising and licensing of the Harry Ramsden's brand has further driven revenue and profitability across the group.

"Management continue to focus on developing this element of the business, and there have been further new contract wins into 2025."

According to its website, there are 16 Deep Blue restaurants open across the country, while there are eight Harry Ramsden's establishments.

The group also owns the Fish & Chips @ 149 brand.

The Daily Express has contacted Deep Blue Restaurants for a comment.