The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Flood-hit fish and chip shop crowned best in Scotland
Coveted title won by Alyth’s Traditional Fish Bar
A Tayside takeaway that was put out of action by one of Scotland’s worst floods in a generation has battled back from misfortune to claim one of the country’s most coveted honours.
The Traditional Fish Bar in Alyth has netted the best fish and chips in Scotland title at a national awards ceremony, beating strong competition from across the country.
Bosses at the Airlie Street firm picked up the accolade at Scotland’s Business Awards in Edinburgh.
Owner Marcello Franceschi said he was thrilled and surprised to win. “I still can’t quite believe it,” he said. “We were up against some strong contenders from the Central Belt and we were sure they had a better chance.
“So when they read out our name it was a great surprise,” added Marcello, who paid tribute to his team, including Rachel Glen, Beth Christie, Kelly Donald, Morgan Taylor and Kelly Low.
The fish bar was one of 180 Perth and Kinross businesses nominated for the awards in August 2015.
It was added by the public during the voting stage of the contest.
Judges created a shortlist of 150 and Marcello’s best was named top in Perthshire, securing a place in the national heat.
Judges selected a winner based on a public vote and the results of a mystery shopper taste test.
Marcello took the reins at the takeaway in 2008, a year after his father bought the business.
“Our shop is called the traditional fish bar and the key word of that is ‘traditional’,” he said.
“We don’t want to mess around with our food. We just serve good old fashioned fish and chips and over the years we have built up a great relationship with our customers.”
Just over a year ago, Marcello was left picking up the pieces after Alyth’s great flood of 2015.
The premises, close to the town centre, was left swamped with mud and water after the town was battered by a one-in-200-year rain storm.