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

TAKEAWAYS in the West Midlands have bigger fish to fry after being named as finalists for this year’s Independent Takeaway Fish and Chip Shop of the Year Award.

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

Oldswinford Fish & Chips in Stourbridge, Bewdley’s Catchems End and The Golden Carp Chippy and Winyates Chippy – both in Redditch – were all 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 exemplary customer service, innovative menu development and creative marketing flair.

The regional winners of the awards – which is run by the industry body, Seafish – will be revealed 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.”