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The UK’s top ten new fish and chip shops have been revealed today as part of the 30th anniversary National Fish & Chip Awards, organised by Seafish.
Shortlisted as semi-finalists for the Best Newcomer Award – one of 15 categories in the 2018 National Fish & Chip Awards – the ten shops that will now compete for a place in the final and the chance to clinch the title of ‘UK’s best new fish and chip shop’ are:
Church Street Fish Bar in Abertillery, Monmouthshire
Seafare Fish and Chips (Seafare Fish Co) in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Bearded Sailor in Leeds, West Yorkshire
Flipping & Frying in Newark, Nottinghamshire
The Fish Works in Largs, North Ayrshire
Chesil Chippie in Portland, Dorset
Fish and Chips @ Weston Grove in Chester, Cheshire
Malt and Anchor in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Quayside Restaurant & Fish Bar in Gourdon, Aberdeenshire
Stone’s Fish and Chips in Acton, London
To reach this stage of the competition, the ten shops have been assessed against a variety of judging criteria, from best adoption of innovative approaches to running a new fish and chip shop, to knowledge and understanding of sustainable and responsible sourcing.
Over the coming weeks, judges will make unannounced visits to shop premises to undertake mystery dining assessments, evaluating both the quality of the fish and chips on offer and the levels of customer service provided. This next stage of competition judging will determine the three finalists that will compete for the overall national title to be presented at the 30th anniversary awards ceremony.
Marcus Coleman, Chief Executive at Seafish, said: “The fish and chip industry is renowned for having long-standing, established businesses that are often passed down through generations of families. Due to this it’s easy to see why starting up a new fish and chip shop can be a daunting experience – but our top ten have certainly risen to the challenge.
“Not only have they proven that they can rustle up the perfect combination of crispy, battered fish and fluffy chips, they’ve demonstrated fantastic knowledge and understanding of the wider hospitality and fishing industries. With exceptionally high levels of dedication and real talent, I’m certain the future of our industry is in good hands and have no doubt that these newcomers will become fantastic ambassadors for the fish and chip trade.”
Sponsored by Frymax, the Best Newcomer Award is open to independent fish and chip businesses that have started operating since 1 May 2015, and recognises those shops that are excelling in upholding the high standards of the fish and chip trade.
Andrew Marriott, UK Brand and Marketing Manager for Frymax, the leading all-vegetable frying fat for the fish and chip trade, added: “The future of our trade relies on top quality and highly motivated fish and chip businesses that are a credit to the industry. This year’s top five all bring innovative concepts and new ideas to the fish and chip trade – each would be a worthy winner.
“The most enjoyable aspect of our involvement is to see new talented and passionate individuals who are passionately producing great tasting fish and chips for their customers. We wish all the finalists the best of luck in the next round of judging and hope they will enjoy many years of success in our trade.”
The winner of the Best Newcomer Award will be announced at The National Fish & Chip Awards’ 30th anniversary ceremony in London on 25 January 2018.
For more information visit www.fishandchipawards.com or follow @FishnChipAwards #FishnChipAwards.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″ el_class=”sticky-container “][mnky_ads id=”114190”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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