Viking frying tonight (once again)

But despite the enforced closure lasting twice as long as expected, the Coppola family have maintained their sense of humour.

They apologized to their loyal customers for any inconvenience the closure had caused and reminded motorists that there was still no drive through facility.

They have had the Observer's report of the incident framed and put up on the wall of the business.

It was late on an August Thursday night that a black Renault car, approaching from London Road, smashed into the building soon after it had closed.

Proprietor Leonardo "Len" Coppola had a lucky escape as moments before he had been in the shop.

The woman driver and her passenger were taken to hospital with what was described as non-life threatening injuries.

The King Offa Way business has been run by the Coppola family since 1989 and includes Len's wife Giovannina and their two sons Antonio and Luigi.

During their closure, they have been catching up with DIY projects and redecoration and other family matters.

Early signs since their re-opening are that their loyal customers have not deserted them and the family expect to be busy frying this weekend.