And the best chip shop in Wales is...

A WELSH chip shop has been named in the final shortlist of the 2019 National Fish and Chip Awards

The Crispy Cod in Tonyrefail, Rhondda Cynon Taf, is the only chippy in Wales to be named in the list of 10 finalists for the coveted Fish and Chip Shop of the Year prize.

Officially the best chip shop in Wales, The Crispy Cod will now face off against other restaurants from all over the UK in the final stage of judging before the overall winner is crowned in London next January.

Previously the awards had a shortlist of 50, which was whittled down to 20 before the latest shortlist was revealed.

The previous shortlists included Welsh chippies such as Shillingfords, in Neath, The Posh Fish and Chip Company in Cardiff and The Lime Crab, New Quay.

Mathew Williams, owner of The Crispy Cod, said being named the best chip shop in Wales is a “massive” achievement for his team.

“It’s the third time we’ve won best in Wales and third time we’ve been in the top 10 in the country,” he said.

“It just goes to show we’re consistent in what we do. We work hard.”

Mr Williams has two chip shops under The Crispy Cod brand, in Tonyrefail and nearby Gelli, and said that it’s down to his staff that they’re both so popular.

He boasts a good team of fryers, and his manager, Ryan Hughes, was named younger fryer of the year.

Mr Williams, 36, added: “We’ve expanded and kept the quality. A lot of places expand and can’t keep their finger on the button but because we’ve got such a good team of staff around us, we’ve been able to expand and still give a really good product.”

Organised by Seafish, the annual National Fish & Chip Awards is a UK wide competition celebrating true excellence in the fish and chip industry.

Determining who makes it in to the top 10 Fish and Chip shops isn’t as simple as tasting the delicious dishes.

Each shop is also assessed on sustainable sourcing, menu innovation, marketing, staff training and customer service.

“It’s not possible to reach this stage of the competition without displaying true quality in every aspect of running a fish and chip business, so The Crispy Cod should be extremely proud of what they’ve achieved so far,” said Marcus Coleman, chief executive officer at Seafish. “

The Fish and Chip Shop of the Year Award winner will be announced on January 24, 2019.