We thought we'd take a look at the regular winners and finalists of the UK's best fish and chip shops competition to shed some light on some of the best fish and chip shops from around Scotland.
(19 High St, Fochabers, IV32 7DX)
Not only did the Moray fish and chip shop beaten off (or should that be battered?) the competition to become the best in Scotland last year, their young frier Elise Boothroyd was also voted as one of the five finalists in the Young Fish Frier of the Year competition.
Family run like all of the best ones are, the Fish Bar offers the freshest haddock supplied fromEat Mair Fish, Buckie, where all fish supplied is fully traceable, accountable and from sustainable sources.
Their potatoes are also sourced locally and supplied by Moray's premier local potato supplier Willie Hendry. Best of all their meals are great value (they also have a loyalty card) and they offer a number of healthy eating options.
Fochabers Fish Bar owner Darren Boothroyd, who was delighted to be announced one of the top ten fish and chip shops in the UK for 2017, said: "We're completely over the moon to have made it to the top 10, it's a real testament to all the hard work we've put into the business."
( 1 Union St, St Andrews, KY16 9PQ)
Run by industry legend Colin Cromar, who helped set up a number of successful fish bars in Edinburgh and St Andrews before starting his own venture with what has now become one of the most successful fish and chip shops in Scotland, Cromars was crowned Scottish champion by Seafish in 2016 and returned as a finalist last year before being crowned as winner again in 2018, which really shows their pedigree.
Cromars offer a menu that is as at home offering traditional fish and chips as it is scallops and mussels, and offer an excellent range of locally-sourced fish meals and several meat specials from two local butchers. They also offer their own special chips with Parmesan and truffle oils for those looking to spoil themselves.
Colin Cromar, who has been in the industry for 32 years, said: “Cromars is all about cooking to order; It’s something I have always done in my career and always will. It does take a little longer but the results are well worth it. We do consider ourselves to be the Rolls Royce of Fish and Chip Shops as we have a very wide ranging menu, including scallops, and we use the best, premium local suppliers we can find."
(Unit 4, Westill Shopping Centre, Old Skene Rd, Westhill, AB32 6RL)
Another family run business and community stalwart, Lows was established 25 years ago by Clifford Low, who'd spent his entire life in the fish industry, before being taken over by his son 13 years ago.
Since then the fish and chip shop in Westhill has went on to win a slew of awards for their excellent menu and the quality of their staff.
Skateraw Fisheries source all of the haddock supplied to Lows sustainably, and the fish and chip shop pride themselves in using a range of local suppliers for their produce.
Lows offer an expansive menu with a great variety of fish suppers on offer including sole and turbot, alongside the traditional haddock, and they also, as would be expected of any good Aberdeenshire chippy, have an excellent range of puddings including Red and Aberdeen Mealie.
(19A Mount Oliphant Cres, Ayr, KA7 3EN)
The first of our list from Ayrshire is another long standing, family run establishment that has been serving locals in Ayr with the freshest fish suppers for the past 15 years.
Forehill Café is run by Stephen Conetta, his wife Carolina and their team; with Stephen, who is part of a long line of successful Scots-Italians that have run fish & chip shops and restaurants across the country, using his experience to serve the best quality fish and chips (and ice cream) in the area.
Sourcing their fish from the ports of Peterhead and Aberdeen and their meat from local award-winning butcher Pollock Williamson, the Forehill menu is not only popular for their standard fare but as you would expect from an Ayrshire eatery, their famous steak pie.
(40 Balloch Rd, Balloch, Alexandria, G83 8LE)
Another example of an excellent family run business, Palombo's was founded in 1967 by Ernie Palombo (whose favourite saying was “You’re only as good as your last fish supper”) and with over sixty years of experience, they pride themselves in delivering the highest standard of quality.
Franco, who took over from his father Ernie, believes the key to their success is not only their great batter but also their frying technique which has been passed down through the generations.
Whisper it, but rumour has it, that they not only do some amazing fish dishes but also a few novelty items for tourists, including catering for those looking to try the now infamous battered Mars Bar (something that Franco says Scots never really ask for).
Beside an excellent range of locally sourced fish options - including calamari and battered king prawns - and meat dishes, Palombo's has also modernised their approach by offering an extensive gluten free menu.
(2 Stoneyhill Ave, Kilmarnock, KA1 4JE)
The second of our Ayrshire chip shops, the Plaice to Be was opened in 2000 after the owners moved from their original premises in Aberfeldy and it seems local residents are delighted they did.
Not only have they been finalists in the UK-wide Seafish awards, they have also been counted among the top 50 Best Fish and Chip Shops by Fry Magazine.
The family run shop, which is owned by George and Grace Meikle, take great pride in being part of the local community, though they say that people travel from as far away as Glasgow to try their famous fish and chips.
