Oh my cod! Region’s best fish and chip shops revealed

CHIPPIES in the North West of England have bigger fish to fry after being named as finalists for this year’s Independent Takeaway Fish and Chip Shop of the Year Award run by industry body, Seafish.

This week, seven takeaways based in the North West were shortlisted as part of the National Fish and Chip Shop Awards, which are considered the Oscars of the fish frying industry.

Hodgson’s Chippy in Lancaster, Pisces in Fleetwood, The Fish and Chip Plaice in Garstang, Fylde Fish Bar in Southport, Papas and The Big Blue – both in Warrington – have all been chosen as finalists for the National Fish and Chip Awards and will now compete for the regional title of Independent Takeaway Fish and Chip Shop of the Year.

The finalists have been chosen for based on their exemplar customer service, innovative menu development and creative marketing flair.

The regional winners and national winner of the awards will be crowned in January 2017 after a seven-month long judging process involving industry expert appraisals and mystery shopper assessments.

Chief executive at Seafish, Marcus Coleman said: “It is one of the highest honours a fish and chip business can receive.

“Many of our past winners and finalists have gone on to reap substantial benefits, including increased shop footfall and turnover and media fame through overseas industry study trips; some have even launched their own branded products.”