The final 10 chippies shortlisted for the Fish and Chip Shop of the Year Award 2018 have been announced, and a shop near Colchester has been revealed as the best in London & South East England.
Henley’s of Wivenhoe was awarded the title on Wednesday after battling against Newington Fish Bar in Ramsgate, Kent.
The announcement is one step closer to the Fish and Chip Shop of the Year Awards 2018, organised by Seafish, which will be awarded in January to one of the 10 regional chippies that have been shortlisted.
David Henley, who owns Henley’s of Wivenhoe, said: “Over the past 10 years, we have witnessed first-hand the calibre of the competition rising every year. To have our business recognised is a true honour and is a testament to all the hard work and effort of our team - it makes all the late nights and early starts worthwhile.
“I have always wanted to showcase fish and chips at its best, so I designed the shop in such a way that customers could see the meal being prepared from start to finish. Our bespoke wet fish display allows customers to see the quality and variety before it is fried right before their eyes.”
To make it to the final stage of the ‘Oscars’ of the fish and chip industry, they have had their frying skills tested with unannounced visits to the shop, and have been judged on their menu development and innovation, sustainable sourcing policies, staff training and marketing activity.
The final stage of judging will be held in London in January, where the 10 finalists will undergo specialist judging and will be quizzed on how to run a successful and profitable business.
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Marcus Coleman, chief executive at Seafish, said: “For most of us, the love of fish and chips is much more than the food itself - it is the nostalgic memories of seaside holidays with the family, or Friday night supper after a hard week that come to mind.
“With few being able to resist the mouth-watering combination, the awards ensure that high-quality standards are upheld so that future generations can enjoy out nation’s favourite takeaway. The skill and dedication of our 10 finalists this year is outstanding - they are a true representation of our industry and sum up perfectly why British fish and chips are, and will always be, the best in the world.”
The 10 finalists will now go on an expenses-paid trip to Norway, where they will visit the port of Ålesund to witness the entire fishing process of catching, processing and filleting.
The winner of the Fish and Chip Shop of the Year Award will be announced at The National Fish & Chip Awards’ 30th anniversary ceremony in London, January 25.
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