The three fish and chip businesses fighting it out are: The Chippy in Antrim, County Antrim; Burton Road Chippy in Lincoln, Lincolnshire and Kingfisher Fish & Chips in Plymouth, Devon. French’s Fish Shop in Wells-Next-The-Sea, Norfolk has also been highly commended.
Now in its third year, the Quality Award ‘Champion’ Award was created as part of the NFFF Fish & Chip Quality Award scheme – a rigorous industry benchmark that was launched in January 2011 by The National Federation of Fish Friers – and is only open to businesses holding the NFFF Quality Award.
The awards scheme is designed to acknowledge those who continue to raise the standards of the nation’s fish and chips, rewarding shops that achieve the perfect balance between good quality products, clean hygienic premises, outstanding shop appearance and highly trained staff.
Andrew Crook, NFFF Treasurer, commented: “Year on year the quality of the shops putting themselves forward for this award exceeds my expectations. It is becoming harder and harder to judge. All of the finalists are ambassadors for the Quality Award and their enthusiasm is astounding.”
Paul Williams, Chief Executive of Seafish, said: “Standards across the fish frying industry in the UK are exceptionally high. It is encouraging to see that so many businesses still go that extra mile to ensure that the quality of our national dish is maintained and enjoyed for generations to come.
“The standard of entries was so high this year that we have also awarded French’s Fish Shop with a Highly Commended Award for the work they have done. I think this year’s award will be closely contested.”
The overall national winner will be announced at a prestigious awards ceremony at The Lancaster London Hotel held on 20 January 2015.
The National Fish & Chip Awards recognise the quality, value and choice offered by fish and chip businesses across the UK.
