For more than 25 years, Pindy Kaur and her family have been serving up much more than fish and chips to their local Barnsley community.

At Monk Bretton Ocean Fish Bar, Pindy has built a much-loved family business where regulars stop by for a chat with a familiar face and customers from further afield come to sample their famous fish and chips.

Pindy took over the business from her brother-in-law and has since transformed it alongside her husband Bill, with family remaining at the heart of everything they do. All four of their children have worked in the shop over the years and continue to lend a hand behind the scenes today.

It’s that dedication to their customers and community that makes independent business owners like Pindy Local Royalty.

Pindy has been immortalised by acclaimed portrait artist Nicky Philipps, who has painted the late HM Queen Elizabeth II on multiple occasions, as well as HRH William, Prince of Wales and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex. Known for capturing the character and personality of her sitters, Nicky has now turned her attention to one of Barnsley’s own local icons, celebrating Pindy and the role she plays in her community.

Her portrait joins those of three other independent business owners from across Great Britain, each painted by an artist who has previously received an official commission to paint a member of the Royal Family.

Together, they form the Local Royalty exhibition at London’s Saatchi Gallery, shining a spotlight on the people behind the pubs, cafés, convenience stores and takeaways that play such an important role in everyday life.

As part of Local Royalty, Pindy will receive her finished portrait to keep and pass down through her family for generations. A donation will also be made to her chosen charities, Great Ormond Street Hospital and MACS (Microphthalmia, Anophthalmia & Coloboma Support), two causes close to Pindy and her family. 

Local Royalty is the third instalment in our campaign celebrating the impact of independent retail partners on their local communities and economies, following The Bosses and Counter Cultures.