3 days ago
Denton Holme chip shop up for 'Best Chippy 2025' award
WE'RE highlighting the shortlisted chip shops in our competition in the . Each of the establishments will be featured over ten issues.
Paolo's Fish and Chips has been nominated by News & Star readers as one of ten finalists in its 'Best Chippy 2025' award.
The family-run shop, which just celebrated its twelfth birthday last week, has been part of the Denton Holme community in Carlisle since 2013.
Gemma Ellwood runs the shop with the help of her brother, Paul Fontana and her dad, also called Paul Fontana.
She told the News & Star it was an 'honour' to be nominated.
Gemma said: 'It's an honour. There's a lot of great chippy's in Cumbria and Carlisle so it's lovely to be thought of.'
Gemma has been involved in running the chip shop since the very beginning and believes their fresh products set them apart.
Chips and sausages at Paolo's. (Image: Supplied)READ MORE: Ten finalists in News & Star's 'Best Chippy 2025' award revealed
'We have good staff who are always smiling but I think the reason we might've been nominated is because of our fresh, homemade and good quality products.
'We're also a bit different too – we have specials, serve gluten free products 24/7 and even have battered mars bars and cream eggs which go down well! The most popular item is probably sausage chips and curry, but cheesy chips are a big one now.'
Paolo's is open all day with the help of around 15 staff, both front of house and behind the scenes. Gemma says they see a lot of regular customers.
She added: 'We're busy all year round but between autumn and winter we see a lot of people, it's the ultimate comfort food!
'We see regulars, some every day, some two to three days a week. Our staff recognise people and are good at remembering their orders.'
Paolo's chips. (Image: Supplied)News & Star readers will now be able to vote for their favourite finalist by picking up a copy of the daily newspaper between Monday, June 2, and Sunday, June 14.
Paolo's is open from 11:15am until 9pm Monday to Saturday and from 12pm until 9pm on Sunday.
Gemma ended: 'Thank you to everyone who nominated us. We wish everyone else luck in the final.'
