A chippy in Essex is in the running to be named the best in the Oscars of the fish and chip industry.

Henley’s of Wivenhoe will ‘fry’ for glory against Newington Fish Bar in Ramsgate, Kent, in a bid become London and South East England’s best chip shop in the Fish and Chip Shop of the Year Award.

The 20 finalists from across the country will compete for their plaice in the final and a chance to claim the honour of being number one in the UK.

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The competing shops have had their frying skills put to the test as well as been assessed for menu development and innovation, sustainable sourcing policies, staff training processes and marketing activity.

Marcus Coleman, chief executive at Seafish, said: “Our Fish and Chip Shop of the Year award is the highest accolade for a fish and chip shop to win.”

The top 20 will be whittled down to 10 by next week before the January’s final in London.