The Carron Fish Bar will now go on to face off against nine other chippies from around England, Wales and Northern Ireland in the battle to be named the UK’s best.
The Grampian chippie, which also bills itself as the “birthplace of the world famous deep-fried Mars bar”, was the only Scottish takeaway named in the finalist shortlist for the Fish and Chip Shop of the Year Award, the flagship category in the 2020 National Fish & Chip Awards.
Organisers Seafish, the public body that supports the £10bn UK seafood industry, say that the awards showcase excellence in fish and chip businesses across the country. Formed in 1988, they are now recognised as one of the most prominent and respected seafood industry events in the UK.
• READ MORE: Scottish fish and chip restaurant named as a finalist in the 2020 National Fish & Chip Awards
Not just about food quality, the category has seen these eateries judged as “outstanding” in areas such as sustainable sourcing of key ingredients, staff training and career opportunities for young people, and creation of innovative menu options for those with allergies and dietary requirements.
The judging panel will now make a final round of visits to each of the shortlisted businesses to undertake mystery dining assessments and full inspections of all aspects of the respective shops.
This will determine a Top 3 shortlist and the overall national champion will be announced at the National Fish & Chip Awards ceremony held in London on 23 January 2020.
Marcus Coleman, chief executive officer at Seafish, said: “These ten finalists represent the best fish and chips on offer the UK today. They are consistently excelling across all areas and providing their customers with healthy, high quality fish and chips on every visit.
“Each of them is a credit to the industry and should be commended on the commitment they have shown to maintaining its fantastic reputation.
“It’s not possible to get to this stage of our awards without giving 100 per cent, and each one of them has shown enthusiasm in spades. We’d encourage anyone who hasn’t paid one of these shops a visit to get down and see for yourself just how good they are. Congratulations to all ten finalists, we wish them all the best of luck.”
The Carron Fish Bar will be in good company for the trip south as The Quayside Restaurant & Fish Bar in Gourdon is up for best UK restaurant, while Bertie’s Restaurant and Bar, which opened on the Capital’s Victoria Street last December, and the Redcloak Fish Bar in Stonehaven will compete for best UK newcomer.
