Six of the UK’s top fish and chip outlets have been named as finalists in The National Fish & Chip Awards 2014, organised by Seafish. They are shortlisted across the Best Independent Food Service Operator Award and the Best Newcomer Award categories, sponsored by Seafood Scotland and Frymax.

The Best Independent Food Service Operator Award finalists include:

The Real Food Café in Tyndrum. The Black Swan Pub in Warrington. The Caven’s Arms in Dumfries.

The Best Newcomer Award finalists are:

Blackstocks in Chester. The Cod’s Scallops in Nottingham. The Scallop Shell in Frome. 

All six will now face one final round of judging in their respective categories before the winners are revealed at the prestigious awards ceremony, hosted by Michelin starred television chef Jean Christophe Novelli, held in London on 22 January 2014.

Also, in association with Seafood Scotland, the finalists are set to embark on an educational study trip to the North Sea next week where they will learn about the supply chain. They will visit Peterhead fish market as well as being given a tour of a vessel and have the chance to see two fish processors in action. 

Clare Dean Marketing Manager at Seafood Scotland, said: “Scotland lands around 28,000 tonnes of MSC certified sustainable haddock a year, and with cod stocks continuing to improve as a result of on-going conservation-led work by industry and government, it is important to remind the foodservice sector of the fresh seafood bounty landed by our own fishermen. 

“We’re looking forward to welcoming the finalists to the North East of Scotland next week to see the Whitefish industry in action, to speak to fishermen and processors, and understand the supply chain from sea to plate”.

Cyril Solomons, Marketing Consultant to Frymax , who visited all the shops commented, “ The outstanding feature of these three shops was the very high standard of their food and customer service. All the shops will present a great image of the fish and chip trade to the public.”

Dr Paul Williams, Seafish Chief Executive, said: “Seafish would like to offer their congratulations to these six finalists as each of them has worked exceptionally hard to get to this stage in the competition.

“These awards are both very different, but are united in the high standards they demand from entrants. It’s particularly nice to see such a strong set of finalists in the Best Newcomer Award category as we love to see that the industry is thriving with new high quality shops coming through every year.”

For more information visit: www.fishandchipawards.com