Two of the north east’s most popular fish and chip shops were yesterday announced as among Scotland’s finest in a national competition.
Fochabers Fish Bar in Moray and Low’s Traditional Fish and Chips in Westhill, Aberdeenshire, were among the six takeaways declared as the top shops in Scotland in the 2017 National Fish and Chip awards.
The awards, organised by Seafish, also commended Cromars Classic Fish and Chips in St Andrews, Forehill Café in Ayrshire; Palombo’s of Balloch in West Dunbartonshire and The Plaice To Be in Ayrshire.
Shortlisted as part of the awards the six shops will now compete to take home the ultimate prize of Independent Takeaway Fish and Chip Shop of the Year Award from across the UK.
Hailing from every part of the country, the shortlisted contenders have had to fry at the top of their game as they faced rigorous judging to secure a top spot.
This next stage of the competition will whittle down the line up, establishing a UK top 20 that will subsequently compete to be crowned with a prestigious regional title.
Handing over the crown in January 2017 will be current champions, Simpsons Fish and Chips in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, winners of the 2016 Independent Takeaway Fish and Chip Shop of the Year Award.
Marcus Coleman, chief executive at Seafish, said: “The Independent Takeaway Fish and Chip Shop of the Year Award 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.
“Receiving this award is the pinnacle of many friers’ careers, but only one can take home the title. I wish all contenders the best of luck as they move onto the next stage of judging and look forward to seeing who comes out on top.”
