Fryers at the ready as chip shops vie for title of UK’s best
CRISPY batter, fresh fish, fluffy chips – there’s definitely a real skill when it comes to preparing one of the nation’s favourite meals.
And while Wales is full of brilliant chippies, three local eateries have been recognised for their efforts.
Wales’ top fish and chip shops have been revealed as part of the 2019 National Fish & Chip Awards, which are organised by Seafish.
They will compete to go on and represent Wales in the overall Fish and Chip Shop of the Year category.
The top seven includes Cardiff firms The Posh Fish and Chip Company and Yan’s Fish Bar, and The Crispy Cod in Tonyrefail.
The Posh Fish and Chip Company at Llantrisant Road Retail Park, Llandaff, impressed judges last year and is back in the running for 2019.
The Crispy Cod has branches in Gelli and Tonyrefail, and there are plans to open a new one in Pontyclun. These guys have been cooking top fish and chips since 2008 and it’s the Tonyrefail shop that’s shortlisted.
Yan’s Fish Bar, on Whitchurch Road, Cardiff, has been serving proper traditional fish and chips since 1969.
It uses the freshest ingredients, obtained locally where possible.
The other Welsh chippies that make up the list are Hiks in Swansea, Hooked@31 in Fishguard, Shillingfords in Neath and The Lime Crab, New Quay.
There are currently 60 chip shops shortlisted for the overall Fish and Chip Shop of the Year Award.
Over the coming weeks the shortlisted shops from all over the UK will be judged by a mystery diner in order to whittle the top 60 down to a top 20, then a top 10 shortlist, before the final stage of judging in London in January 2019.
The winner of the Fish and Chip Shop of the Year Award will be announced at The National Fish & Chip Awards’ 31st anniversary ceremony.
There are 14 categories in total, in the 2019 National Fish & Chip Awards.
The UK’s top 60 shops are judged on more than just the fish and chips.
Sustainability, menu innovation, catering for special dietary requirements, customer service and marketing are all part of the package of what makes these shops the best in the country.
Marcus Coleman, chief executive Officer at Seafish, said: “This award category showcases the leading fish and chip takeaways across the land, the shops that we all love to buy our fish supper from.
“The calibre of finalists in this year’s Top 60 is extremely high and provides a true representation of the quality found within the fish and chip sector, perfectly summing up why British fish and chips are, and will always be, the best in the world.”