Three of the UK’s leading fish and chip foodservice operators have today (Thursday 22 December) been announced as finalists in the Best Foodservice Operator Award for the 2017 National Fish & Chip Awards, organised by Seafish.

The three finalists – The Comfy Duck in Laceby, Lincolnshire; fish! Kitchen in Borough Market and Kingston upon Thames in London; and Morrison Supermarkets Cafes with outlets across the UK – will now compete against each other in the race to bag the Best Foodservice Operator Award, in what is regarded as the ‘Oscars’ of the fish frying industry.

To secure a place as a finalist, shortlisted businesses have been appraised across a wide range of judging criteria including responsible sourcing policies, seafood supplier relationships, preparation and cooking techniques, menu development and innovation, staff development and training practices, and customer service levels.

Over the past weeks Finalists have also received mystery judging assessments by industry experts. This stage of competition judging will determine the overall winner that will be announced at the 2017 National Fish & Chip Awards ceremony in January 2017.

Marcus Coleman, Chief Executive at Seafish, commented:  "This award is proof that you can taste high quality fish and chips in places other than traditional takeaways.

"With more and more pubs, canteens, hotels and cafes serving fish and chips, it’s important for us to recognise their contribution to the industry. This award celebrates businesses that don’t solely focus on producing fish and chips, but nevertheless go the extra mile to create good quality fish and chips and provide customers with a great dining experience.”

Sponsored by the Responsible Fishing Scheme, the Best Foodservice Operator Award is open to all foodservice outlets – both independent and multiple outlet businesses - that serve fish and chips as part of their wider food offering.

Mick Bacon, Responsible Fishing Scheme Fleet Manager, added: "This award is a great way for getting more general foodservice businesses involved in our industry, and when you witness the high standard of some of their fish and chips it’s clear why we decided to create the award category.”

Culminating in an awards ceremony at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London on 26 January 2017, The National Fish & Chip Awards are recognised as one of the most prominent and respected seafood industry events in the UK. They celebrate the Great British tradition of fish and chips, showcasing the best talent, quality and choice offered by fish and chip businesses through 13 different award categories.

For further information on The National Fish & Chip Awards visit www.fishandchipawards.comor follow @FishnChipAwards.