A REDDITCH fish and chip shop has ‘battered’ the competition and been named the top fish and chip shop in Midlands – and one of the ten best in the whole country.
The Golden Carp Chippy, owned by Theo Ellinas, was named the best Worcestershire chip shop on Wednesday (September 13) and is one of the UK’s top 10 fish and chip shops in the 2018 National Fish & Chip Awards.
The shop in the Matchborough Centre has undergone rigorous judging, including having their frying skills put to the test and being assessed against a variety of judging criteria, including menu development and innovation and sustainable sourcing policies.
Theo said: “It’s a great feeling to be shortlisted in the top 10 as we are being recognised by the industry’s main authority, Seafish. We like to think that we are ambassadors in our region, selling and promoting our country’s best loved meal – fish and chips – and being shortlisted for this award is almost like being given the seal of approval.
“However, it’s not just about making the shortlist; it’s about the journey towards getting there. The team have put in so much hard work, and together we have improved our shop beyond expectations.
“It’s very hard work, but to receive recognition for that by a panel of experts who understand the industry, is the cherry on top of the cake.”
The 10 shops, representing the best of the best of British fish and chips, will now compete in a final judging stage for this top accolade and aim to be crowned number one in the UK.
Hailing from across the UK*, the nine other finalists in what are considered to be the ‘Oscars’ of the fish and chip industry are:
Cromars Classic Fish & Chips in St Andrews, Fife (Scotland)
Penaluna’s Famous Fish & Chips in Hirwaun, Rhonda Cynon Taff (Wales)
The Dolphin Takeaway in Dungannon, County Tyrone (Northern Ireland)
Millers Fish & Chips in Haxby, North Yorkshire (North East England)
Fylde Fish Bar in Southport, Merseyside (North West England)
Burton Road Chippy in Lincoln, Lincolnshire (Eastern England)
Henley’s of Wivenhoe in Wivenhoe, Colchester (London & South East England)
Captain’s Fish and Chips in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire (Central & Southern England)
Harbourside Fish & Chips in Plymouth, Devon (South & West England)
As part of the 30th anniversary National Fish & Chip Awards, organised by Seafish, the 10 finalists will now go on an expenses paid study trip to Norway, visiting the port city of Ålesund to witness the whole fishing process; from catch to processing and filleting.
For more information visit www.fishandchipawards.com or follow @FishnChipAwards
