National Fish & Chips Award nominees announced

11-Aug-2014 - Last updated on 12-Aug-2014 at 12:56 GMT

The UK's top 60 fish and chip shops have been announced

Seafish has revealed the names of the UK’s top 60 fish and chip shops, which are now running for the title of Independent Takeaway Fish and Chip Shop of the Year as part of the 2015 National Fish & Chip Awards.

The nominees, spread across Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, North East England, North West England, Midlands, Eastern England, London & South East England, Central & Southern England and South West England, were judged by industry experts and visited by a mystery diner.

They were assessed on product quality, sustainable sourcing, marketing and customer service, and have now gone through to the next stage of the competition, determining regional champions and the UK top 20.

Industry standards

With a ceremony to be held at The Lancaster London Hotel on 20 January 2015, the National Fish & Chip Awards recognise the quality and choice offered by fish and chip shops across Britain.

Paul Williams, chief executive of Seafish, said: “These awards have not only improved the industry standards by consistently rewarding and testing businesses, they have also raised positive awareness of the issues surrounding sustainable fishing practices and encouraged shops to implement sustainable sourcing.

“Last year we witnessed some of the highest calibre of entrants ever. The bar is constantly rising and we can’t wait to see the top fryers battle it out this year.”

The top 10 regional shops in competition for the national award will be announced in October. They will be invited on a study trip to Norway, organised by the Norwegian Seafood Council to understand why the country is seen as one of the world’s most sustainable fishing nations.

Last year’s winner Stuart Fusco, owner of Quayside, said after winning “sales increased significantly”.

Top 60 shortlist

Scotland

Cromars, Fife

Frankie's Fish & Chips, Shetland

The Trawler, Sutherland

Palombos Fish & Chips, Dumbartonshire

Moore's Fish & Chips, Dumfries & Galloway

Dinos, Ayrshire

Wales

Hennighan's Top Shop, Powys

Simply Fish & Chips, Denbighshire