Latest news with #NationalFish&ChipAwards
Western Telegraph
3 days ago
- Business
- Western Telegraph
Award-winning Fishguard chippie celebrates 10th birthday
Fishguard's Hooked@31 turns ten this week and to celebrate the award-winning chippies is offering two portions of fish and chips for a tenner, or one portion for £6. The take-away is also celebrating the fact that National Fish and Chip Day also turns 10 today (Friday, June 6). (Image: Hooked@31) The celebratory deal includes two five to six ounce saithe fillets cooked in Hooked's signature crispy batter along with a portion of chips for just £10. 'Saithe is from the cod family, has a stronger flavour and darker flesh. It's well worth a try,' said Hooked@31. If you don't want to do the double, you can have a single portion of Saithe and chips for just £6. Hooked has made a name for itself for producing quality fish and chips. In 2020 the Fishguard fryers were whittled down from 10,500 chippies across the UK to be named one of the top ten in the UK. The chippie was also ranked among the top two in Wales. They gained the accolade in the National Fish & Chip Awards, a UK-wide competition celebrating true excellence in the fish and chip industry. In the run up to the finals, Hooked@31 gave away free fish and chips, which saw hopeful locals queuing down the street for their portion. The business stayed open during the lockdown, providing delicious home deliveries to grateful locals. When restrictions eased, it was common to see long queues of customers all eager for Hooked's deep-fried fayre. The following year Hooked@31 was named as one of the best in Wales as part of the 2021 edition of the Official Guide to the UK's Quality Fish and Chip Shops. The chippie is also well known throughout Pembrokeshire for its famous homemade ice cream from local Morfa milk. It also produces vegan and dairy-free ice cream. In 2023 January owners Charlette and Gethin Rand said that the business would be taking a new direction and would not be opening its doors in the new year. However, the chippie was soon back in business, this time as a pop up venue opening on selected days rather than year-round. The pop-up concept has proved a hit with customers and Hooke@31 is open for three days a week throughout June with another gluten free evening planned as well as other special events. To celebrate its tenth birthday this week Hooked@31 is open from Wednesday through to Saturday from 12pm to 2pm and from 4.30pm to 8pm. Other tasty treats are on offer as well as the saithe two for £10 deal. You can order at the counter or pre-order at linked above.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
This is County Durham's highest-rated chippy and it's 'better than Whitby'
Have you been to County Durham's highest-rated fish and chip shop on Google, praised by customers for being a 'proper' chippy? It could be your local. Battered and Fried located at 68 High Street in Carrville (DH1 1AT), boasts a 4.9/5-star rating on Google, from 251 reviews. The breakdown on Google Reviews shows the chippy has a majority of 5-star ratings, earning it the title of the highest-rated on Google when searching for 'best fish and chip shop in County Durham'. Someone who recently visited Battered and Fried shared: 'This place was recommended, I will never go anywhere else for my Fish and Chips. 'The cod was so fresh and white, coated in light golden batter. The chips were equally as fresh, crisp and golden. Freshly cooked and still hot when I got home, 10 minutes away. The staff were polite and friendly. Delicious.' Another claimed the fish and chips were 'even better than Whitby' as they posted: 'Called today I have had fish and chips from all over in my 80yrs today were the best I have had - even better than Whitby , Beautiful light batter very fresh white fish and gorgeous chips .my husband went in the shop said the staff were very good and friendly.' Meanwhile, one person who was visiting for the first time commented: 'Well it was our 1st time here for our fish and chips.... what can I say??....absolutely beautiful. We could not fault anything at all. I've worked and managed fish and chip shops over the years and not been a patch on these. Well done guys, we'll definitely be back soon x'. A fan of the chippy also said: 'A proper fish and chips shop! The fish and chips are great and the staff are all super friendly. I can see why they won the award for 'Best Fish and Chips in County Durham 2024!'' Recommended reading: Some of the award-winning County Durham fish and chip shops you need to try Darlington chip shop famed for its wide range of dishes in Echo top ten Darlington chippy crowned best in the UK at National Fish & Chip Awards 2025 Just some of the menu highlights (according to its Google profile) include an 8oz cod (£9), cod bites (£4.50), a fish butty (£6.80) and portion of chips 'peeled, washed and chipped every day from the finest British potatoes available' (£3.50), plus much more. Battered and Fried also offers portions of scampi fried in breadcrumbs and haddock too. Have you been to the highest-rated fish and chip shop on Google in County Durham? Let us know in the comments below (feel free to share recommendations for other top chippies in the area too).
Scotsman
4 days ago
- General
- Scotsman
Award winning chippy shares secret for 'perfect' fish and chips
But if you've ever wondered how to get the perfect golden fried fish and crispy chips, then one Scottish chippy owner has shared her secret. Sarah Heward, owner of The Real Food Café in Tyndrum, has shared her secret for creating the perfect fish supper - and it's all about attention to detail. Regularly featured in 'Best Of' lists as one of Scotland's favourite chippies, and a seven times winner in the National Fish & Chip Awards, The Real Food Café' is known for its quality, care and sustainability. It's also famed for its gluten-free fish and chips, with some customers making a 500-mile round trip to enjoy them, a testament to the restaurant's iconic status as one of the go-to places for an exceptional fish supper and its inclusive menu. How to make 'perfect' fish and chips Picture: Real Food Cafe Here's what Sarah says makes the ultimate fish and chips. 'Fish and chips might sound simple, but making a truly outstanding chippy is anything but. It's all about layers of detail. The Real Food Café only uses MSC-certified, sustainably sourced fish. "Once prepped and portioned, it's carefully layered in a Fish Fridge, no more than two or three fillets deep, ready for frying. 'Our signature light, golden batter is made with chilled water. The cold temperature causes the wheat proteins to expand, and when the batter hits the hot oil, it explodes, creating that crisp, airy texture you want – nobody likes a soggy fish and chips! "We also use a specialised batter-whisking machine to keep the consistency just right. 'But the chips matter just as much. Ours are made fresh daily, sometimes up to a quarter of a tonne. "When the tatties arrive, we test them for sugar content because too much sugar means chips that fry too dark. We rumble 25kg of potatoes at a time, eye them by hand and chip them in a machine that can process a full sack in about 20 seconds. 'Cooking times are constantly adjusted throughout the year for variations in potato and wheat crops. Once it's all cooked, we finish with the final secret ingredients: salt, vinegar, and a generous serving of love.' The Real Food Cafe in Tyndrum has been going strong as one of the best places to stop for a bite to eat for almost 20 years and it all came about after Ms Heward took over the site after chancing upon an advert for the then-derelict premises while working in the City. She and her husband decided to snap up the former Little Chef and move up north, seeking a better work-life balance and feeling that they could 'do something better than the previous occupiers'. After a 'very rudimentary patch-up job', including filling the holes in the roof, the cafe opened its doors for the first time in April 2005, timed to capitalise on the key summer trading period. 'We did that, and that was really the start of the journey [but] over the years there's been a huge number of challenges, both personal and professional.' These include the sudden death of her husband, who had planned to work as a consultant in Aberdeen in the oil industry when they moved to Scotland but took an active role in the café. But she persisted, and the business, which benefits from its location on the West Highland Way, started picking up awards including for their fish and chips.
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
I run an award-winning chippy in Scotland – here's where loads of fish & chip shops get it all wrong
Some customers even make a 500-mile round trip just to try the scran OH MY COD! I run an award-winning chippy in Scotland – here's where loads of fish & chip shops get it all wrong Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN award-winning Scots fish and chip shop owner has revealed the secrets to the supper. Sarah Heward opened The Real Food Cafe in Tyndrum, in the Highlands, in 2005. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 The Real Food Cafe, in Tyndrum, Crianlarich, opened in 2005 Credit: Alamy 3 Its fish suppers are top class Credit: Steve Welsh 3 Owner Sarah Heward revealed the secret to the perfect fish supper Credit: John Kirkby She transformed it from a run-down Little Chef to an iconic roadside diner serving thousands of punters each year. The eatery sits on the A82, halfway between Glasgow and Fort William, and is the perfect spot to refuel. The menu boasts all the usual chippy classics like burgers, battered sausages and fish suppers, as well as more unusual dishes like fish chowder and plant-based Tofish suppers. As a Coeliac UK-accredited caterer, The Real Food Cafe also offers a gluten-free menu, drawing some customers to make a 500-mile round trip just to try it. It regularly appears on 'Best Of' lists as one of Scotland's favourite chippies and has scooped the National Fish & Chip Awards seven times. Sarah also shared her top tips for making the ultimate fish and chips. The eatery prides itself on using 'only proper raw ingredients' and local produce. According to Sarah: "Fish and chips might sound simple, but making a truly outstanding chippy is anything but. It's all about layers of detail. The Real Food Cafe only uses MSC-certified, sustainable sourced fish. Once prepped and portioned, it's carefully layered in a Fish Fridge, no more than two or three fillets deep, ready for frying." There's also a secret behind their perfect batter. Sarah said: "Our signature light, golden batter is made with chilled water. The cold temperature causes the wheat protein to expand, and when the batter hits the hot oil, it explodes, creating that crisp, airy texture you want - nobody likes a soggy fish and chips! We also use a specialised batter-whisking machine to keep the consistency just right. Gerwyn Price's fish and chip shop as former world darts champion shows Sky Sports presenter his side hustle And the chips deserve attention as well, achieving perfection is crucial. Sarah added: 'But the chips matter just as much. Ours are made fresh daily, sometimes up to a quarter of a tonne. When the tatties arrive, we test them for sugar content because too much sugar means chips that fry too dark. We rumble 25kg of potatoes at a time, eye them by hand and chip them in a machine that can process a full sack in about 20 seconds. 'Cooking times are constantly adjusted throughout the year for variations in potato and wheat crops. Once it's all cooked, we finish with the final secret ingredients: salt, vinegar, and a generous serving of love." We told previously how Scotland's best fish and chip shop has been crowned in this year's takeaway awards. And a fish and chips fan who spent more than year visiting 120 chippies across the UK has revealed his top five.
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Owners of beloved Stockport fish and chip shop 'extremely proud' as they win major award
A much-loved Stockport fish and chip shop has won a major award at a prestigious industry awards. The National Fish & Chip Awards took place at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in London last night and saw awards handed out to the UK's best chip shops and takeaways. In a major coup for the North East, two businesses in County Durham were awarded the coveted Takeaway of the Year and Restaurant of the Year prizes. Other awards included Young Fish Frier of the Year, Newcomer, Supplier of the Year, and Outstanding achievement, amongst others. Organised by trade body the National Federation of Fish Fryers, The National Fish and Chip Awards are the most coveted in the world of fish and chips, and is now in its 37th year. READ MORE: Legendary Curry Mile restaurant confirms opening of city centre site READ MORE: The farm shop café with fewer than 10 tables and a cooked breakfast that'll leave you wanting more Closer to home Taylors, in Woodley, took home the award for Training and Development. The celebrated Stockport chippy revealed last November that it had made it through to the final 20 in this year's National Fish and Chip Awards 2025. Owner Anne Wallace previously told the M.E.N.: "When I look at who we're up against across the UK it's incredible in terms of the quality. I just feel very honoured." Taylors, located on Woodley precinct in Stockport, is a firm favourite with locals and has been described by regulars as 'excellent' in reviews shared online. It was founded in 1966 in Hattersley before moving to its current home in the mid-1980s. Sharing the news on Facebook after the win, the team at Taylors wrote: "Ladies & have a winner! "Extremely proud of the whole team and the continued support from our amazing customers. Putting Stockport on the map." Hundreds of customers and fans of the Stockport fish and chip shop commented on the post, with many saying the news was 'brilliant', and the the award was 'well deserved'. One wrote: "Well done, what a great team…what great fish and chips…and fabulous community spirit." Another added: "Congratulations!! Super proud that a local Woodley business has won… we can vouch for the chips." And a third added: "Brilliant well done to all of you . Each and everyone of you deserve this recognition." The 2025 edition isn't the team's first time at the National Fish and Chip Awards though, as last year, manager Jamie Toland, who started working at the chippy as a 14-year-old, was crowned Employee of the Year at the 2024 ceremony. Judging of the final 20 businesses is a rigorous process, with the number being whittled down to a final 10 before the awards ceremony. A number of attributes are taken into account by an expert judging panel including sustainability, marketing, staff training, health and safety and hygiene. Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers, commented: 'The bar for the National Fish & Chip Awards is set higher each year across the criteria the competitors are evaluated against, and our new titleholders have put everything into elevating their menus, sharpening their skills and developing their expertise. 'The quick-service sector is constantly changing but what remains is that customers expect a high-quality product that tastes like heaven, that sustainability is carefully considered throughout the experience and the service is on-point. "Each winner hits the mark on all these fronts and their hard work is achieving national attention. "On behalf of the NFFF, I'd like to say a big 'congratulations' and 'thank you' to these businesses for being shining examples of greatness in the fish and chip industry.' Takeaway of the Year 1st: Yarm Road Fish and Chips - Darlington, County Durham 2nd: The Fish Works - Largs, Scotland 3rd: Kellaway's Fish and Chips – Truro, Cornwall Restaurant of the Year 1st: Bells Fish & Chips (Framwellgate Moor) - Durham, County Durham 2nd: Malt and Anchor – Cirencester, Gloucestershire 3rd: Trenchers Spanish City - Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear Field to Frier Redcloak Fish Bar – Stonehaven, Scotland Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year Glen Morrison from Garioch Fish Bar – Inverurie, Scotland Newcomer of the Year Mackerel Sky- Stamford Bridge, Yorkshire Employee of the Year Georgia Lye from Seafare Guildford, Surrey Mobile Operator of the Year Country Fried – Blackburn, Lancashire Environment and Sustainable Business Finney's Benllech – Anglesey, Wales Training and Development Taylors – Stockport, Greater Manchester Digital Marketing Eric's Fish and Chips – Thornham, Norfolk Quality Accreditation Champion The Scrap Box – York, Yorkshire Community Engagement Brockley's Rock – Brockley, London International Fish and Chip Operator Fez & Cip - Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam Supplier of the Year Dennis Crooks Fish Merchants Outstanding Achievement Paul Williams - KFE Ltd
