The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Three north-east fish bars make top 50 list of best UK chippers
Chippers in Inverurie, Stonehaven and Blackburn have been named among the top 50 fish and chip shops in the UK.
Fry Magazine – the “leading publication” for the fish and chip industry – has released its 2023 yearly awards list, recognising businesses for their “commitment to quality”.
The shops were judged throughout the year during a series of mystery shopper visits.
Judges visited the takeaways unannounced and inspected various aspects, from food quality to social media presence.
The takeaways had to achieve a rating of at least 95.5% to win an award, while restaurants needed a score of 95% or higher to claim their accolade.
The three Aberdeenshire chippers that made it are the Garioch Fish Bar in Inverurie, the Redcloak Fish Bar in Stonehaven and Mike’s Famous Fish & Chips in Blackburn.
Garioch Fish Bar said it was “delighted” to have made the list in a post online. This is the third year in a row it has made the top 50 list.
Blackburn-based Mike’s Famous Fish & Chips also took to social media to celebrate its success, less than two years after opening.
It posted on Facebook: “This is the only award we entered in this year and to be successful in it has absolutely made our morning!”
It has been a busy awards season for Redcloak Fish Bar in Stonehaven.
Owner Jamie Russo won UK’s “best young fish frier” at the National Fish and Chips Awards in London in February.
Redcloak Fishbar also won “best newcomer” after rivalling other UK takeaways that have been open less than two years.
Reece Head, Fry Magazine’s award organiser, said: “Despite the formidable challenges posed by inflationary pressures that have affected every aspect of the industry, these remarkable establishments continue to deliver top-quality fish and chips using the finest ingredients.
“Uncompromising in their standards, they are truly the best in the business and deserve their recognition.”