In the search for the UK’s best fish and chips, businesses such as pubs, cafés and bakeries have showcased their skill in preparing one of the nation’s favourite takeaway dishes. By serving outstanding fish and chips in a venue other than the traditional takeaway or restaurant, these businesses have gained a place in the National Fish and Chip Awards 2020.

Organised by Seafish, the National Fish & Chip Awards is an annual UK-wide competition celebrating true excellence in the fish and chip industry. The award for Best Foodservice Operator is open to outlets including pubs, restaurants, leisure centres, cafes and more, where fish and chips is included on the menu but not as the main product.

The three shortlisted businesses are:

• Mary Lambert Bakery, Hartlepool, Country Durham
• The Real Food Café, Tyndrum, Perthshire
• The Woodman’s Arms, Whickham, Tyne and Wear

To reach this stage of the competition, the shortlisted businesses were assessed against a wide variety of judging criteria including responsible sourcing policies, preparation and cooking techniques, promotional activity and menu innovation.

The three shortlisted businesses exceeded expectations in providing both great service and delicious fish and chips to their customers and the award recognises the significant contribution these businesses make in promoting the nation’s favourite dish, fish and chips.

Marcus Coleman, Chief Executive at Seafish, said: “This award is proof that you the UK is home to high quality fish and chips in places other than fish and chip takeaways and restaurants. This award category celebrates businesses that don’t solely focus on producing fish and chips, but nevertheless go the extra mile to create great a great tasting product and provide customers with a memorable dining experience. Well done to the shortlisted businesses!”

Seafish Appointed Awards Judge and Chef Ambassador, Rob Green said: “With more and more pubs, restaurants and cafes committed to serving high quality fish and chips, it is fantastic to see an award category that recognises the excellent fish and chips as well as other seafood offerings and high customer service standards. The Best Foodservice Operator Award was an impressive category to judge with all the entrants being of a high standard. Some of the entrants went above and beyond, such as offering different seafood species, using local beer in their batter, using digital channels to highlight sustainability or making homemade bread.”

The winner will be announced at The National Fish & Chip Awards in London at the Royal Lancaster Hotel on January 23 2020.

For more information about the awards visit: https://www.seafish.org/fish-chip-awards