Chippy honoured for service and its friendchips...
AWARD FOR FREE KIDS MEALS
A chippy has been singled out by the Just Eat Restaurant Awards for outstanding achievement.
Chris’s Fish and Chips, in Barwell, was given the unique accolade at the event.
Owners Strad and Gina Kyriacou were praised for consistently delivering exceptional food and customer service, even during times of personal hardship.
Having seen the stress and anxiety caused to people close to him by the pandemic, Strad embarked on a mental health course so he could better support not only his family but also recognise when his customers might be struggling.
The kind-hearted owners also served up free meals for children during the school holidays.
Chris’s Fish and Chips was also in the running for the Best Takeaway in the East Midlands category at the awards – previously called the British Takeaway Awards – but was pipped at the post.
The Barwell chippy was last year named as the best takeaway in the region – the chip shop’s sixth British Takeaway Award in six years.
Other awards have included regional winner, overall winner, best chef of the year and game changer of the year.
Talking about receiving the Outstanding Achievement award, Strad said: “We were shocked and totally surprised.
“No-one knew this was going happen and it was an honour and a proud moment for us, acknowledging the hard work, me, Gina and my amazing team have done year in, year out.
“It’s like all the awards put together to get this one super award.
“We just want to say a huge thank you to our staff, customers, community and family as we are only as good as they are and they are the best.”
The Just Eat Restaurant Awards set out to champion the hardworking and passionate individuals delivering unforgettable food and going above and beyond for the community they serve.
The judging panel included Leicester fashion guru and TV chef Gok Wan, chef and Great British Menu judge Andi Oliver and Michelin-trained TikTok star
Poppy O’Toole. The event, at The Londoner Hotel in Leicester Square, was hosted by TV presenter and comedian Joel Dommett.
Celebrity guests included First Dates maître d’ Fred Siriex, Love Island stars Tasha Ghouri and Andrew Le Page, and TV personalities and podcasters Oliver Proudlock and Emma Connolly. Andrew Kenny, chief commercial officer at Just Eat, said: “The Just Eat Restaurant Awards rightly shine a spotlight on the incredible people who not only deliver unforgettable food but go above and beyond to make an invaluable contribution to our community and the UK economy. “Despite facing sky-high inflation, soaring food and energy bills and continued staff shortages from Brexit and Covid, these restaurants have demonstrated unparalleled resilience, entrepreneurial spirit and grit.”
No-one knew this was going happen and it was an honour and a proud moment for us
Strad Kyriacou