UK’S TOP 20 FISH AND CHIP SHOPS ANNOUNCED

The UK’s top 20 fish and chip shops have been named as they contend for the Independent Takeaway Fish and Chip Shop of the Year crown at the 2014 National Fish & Chip Awards, organised by Seafish, the authority on seafood.

The 20 fish and chip shops, two businesses competing in each of the 10 ‘regions’ across the UK,  will now need to show what they are made of as they go head-to head to be named the regional champion, in the hotly contested race to bag the ultimate title. The 10 UK regions cover: Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, North East England, North West England, Midlands, Eastern England, London & South East England, Central & South England, and South & West England.

Please the link below for the list of nominees:

https://www.nfff.co.uk/userdata/files/takeaway_-_area_winners_september_2013.pdf

The fish and chip businesses will have to fry at the top of their game if they are to secure the coveted title as they are put to the test in un-announced shop visits by an industry judge.  The detailed and in-depth judging inspections will be based on a number of criteria, from food quality to customer service, to product sourcing and sustainability practices that the businesses must meet in order to progress to the next round of the competition – to be named as the regional winner and ‘batter’ for the flagship award of the UK’s best Independent Takeaway Fish and Chip Shop of the Year.

The competition culminates in an awards ceremony at The Lancaster London hotel on 22 January 2014, hosted by Michelin-starred chef and TV personality Jean Christophe Novelli, when the overall UK winner will be announced.

Paul Williams, Chief Executive of Seafish, said: “I would like to congratulate to all of the area winners which will now contest for each of the 10 regional titles.  Each stage of the judging process for the Independent Takeaway accolade further tests the competing business and the un-announced inspections by an industry expert will be no exception.  

“Seafish have organised the awards for the past 26 years with the aim of showcasing the very best while setting increasingly high standards for the industry.  This year’s fish and chip shops have continued to rise to the challenge and we hope that they will reap the benefits for their great efforts.”

In October, Seafish will announce the top shop in each of the 10 UK regions for the flagship award. Thereafter, those regional winning shops will be invited on a study trip to Ålesund, Norway, organised by award sponsor the Norwegian Seafood Council to see first-hand why Norway is regarded as one of the world’s most sustainable fishing nations. 

Calum Richardson owner of The Bay Fish & Chips, Stonehaven and last year’s winner of the Independent Takeaway Fish and Chip Shop of the Year said: “Winning the Independent Takeaway Award was a massive achievement and represented a major milestone for us.

“The turnover of the shop has increased significantly; immediately after winning the UK title, we saw a 100% uplift on the previous year and we’re busier than ever before.

“The National Fish & Chip Awards gives businesses the chance to challenge themselves and recognises the hard work and dedication that goes into everything from customer service and quality, to sustainability and great tasting fish and chips. It helps your business shine and it can really catapult your brand.”

The annual National Fish & Chip Awards recognise the quality and choice offered by fish and chip shop businesses across the UK and the event organisers are determined to find the best talent and reward those with the highest standards in the fish frying industry.