Best in the business

The best of Britain’s fish frying business duked it out at the 28th Fish & Chip Awards this week, the “Oscars” of the industry. Here’s our pick of who came out on top.

SIMPSONS FISH & CHIPS
Independent Takeaway Fish & Chip Shop of the Year
The big one: the top prize that earns the winner the accolade of Britain’s best chippy. After competing against 10,000 rivals, and coming runner-up twice in recent years, it was an emotional win for husband-and-wife team Bonny and James Ritchie. They explained how they had “pushed the boundaries of the traditional, stereotypical chippy”, with recent initiatives including a monthly gluten-free frying day, and a children’s book that increases awareness of fish sourcing and species.
Taking a creative approach comes naturally to the couple, who both studied sculpture before moving into fish and chips. In 2009, Bonny’s family – who have run chip shops for 40 years – offered them the opportunity of taking on a recently acquired café. Aged 23 and just married, they jumped at the opportunity. Seven years on, two children later and with an outside catering arm added to the business, they’re officially the best in the country.
“With boundless energy and vibrant personalities, they are the modern face of fish and chips in the UK,” says Chris Middleton, who chaired the judging panel. “They represent a young, fresh face to the industry, backed up with tremendous experience and skill.”  Bonny and James are relishing every moment – and already looking to their next step. “This is just the beginning for us,” says James. “We’re determined to push fish and chips forward and keep growing our business.”
Simpsons Fish and Chips, 75 Priors Rd, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL52 5
simpsonsfishandchips.co.uk
THE SCALLOP SHELL
Independent Fish & Chip Restaurant of the Year

The award for the best sit-down slap-up feed goes to the Scallop Shell in Bath, opened just last year by Garry Rosser who has been a chef for three decades. “To be operating for such little time and to win this award is amazing,” said Garry. “I’m so proud!”
The Scallop Shell has already built quite a name for itself, not least for its iconic bath tub, filled with ice and the day’s catch. “Having the fish on display gives customers the opportunity to look at the quality and encourages them to ask questions about the flavour and texture,” says Garry. “We’re passionate about getting people to eat more fish and diversify their selection. That’s why we serve up to 12 different species of fish every day with an option to fry or grill.”
The Scallop Shell, 22 Monmouth St, Bath BA1
www.thescallopshell.co.uk
CATCH
Best Newcomer 

Britain’s best new fish and chip was actually opened by chefs Chris and James Tanner in East Looe in the summer of 2014, but only entered the awards this year. Already well known for their successful Tanners Restaurant and Barbican Kitchen in Plymouth, the brothers had long had links with this pretty Cornish port: they had been getting fish from here for years. Local fish is also on the menu at Catch, sourced from the day boats coming and going in the harbour, as is MSC-certified cod and haddock, and potatoes from Hoskins Farm in nearby Downderry. “Entering the awards has made us part of a network of people who collectively share their passion and knowledge,” says Catch representative Tony Spreadborough. “We can’t wait to see what 2016 brings now!”
Catch, Unit 1, New Granite Quay, East Looe, PL13 1DX
www.catchlooe.co.uk
RYAN HUGHES, THE CRISPY COD
Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year


Another really big award in the business, designed to encourage and reward young people in the industry – many of whom go on to great things, including winning the top prize for Britain’s best chippy. (One winner, Lyndsay Petrie-Richardson, was even presented to The Queen at Buckingham Palace.)
This year, the prize went to Ryan Hughes from the Cripsy Cod in Tonyrefail, Mid-Glamorgan – the third time he’s entered. “The awards are a rollercoaster experience and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it,” he says, referring to the months of rigorous tests, examinations and mystery judging visits at his workplace, culminating in a final “fry-off” at the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF) Training School in Leeds. “It’s an honour to hold this title for 2016,” he say. “I’m really looking forward to grasping this opportunity with both hands. During my year as reigning champion I hope to promote sustainable sourcing and act as a role model, encouraging others to pursue a career in the fish frying industry.” Good on you, Ryan.
The Crispy Cod, 12 High St. Tonyrefail, Porth, Mid Glamorgan CF39 8PG
www.thecrispycod.co.uk
STARCHIP ENTERPRISE
Best Mobile Fish & Chip Operator

The best mobile chippy also takes our unofficial award for best name in the entire line-up. There was tough competition this category, as the street food movement has pushed chip vans to improve beyond recognition. Owner Jeff Warren took the prize following a big year since being shortlisted in 2015. “We’re out on the roads day and night serving the local communities, villages and care homes,” says Jeff. “To know you have made someone’s day by giving them fish and chips makes it all worthwhile.”
www.starchipenterprise.co.uk
HARBOURSIDE FISH & CHIPS
Healthy Eating Fish and Chips Award
This award was introduced to underscore that fish and chips can be a healthy option. “Research shows that fish and chips are a natural, nutritionally balanced meal and an excellent source of protein,” says Mel Groundsell of Selfish, the organiser of the awards. “Made from simple unadulterated raw ingredients, a portion of fish and chips can be a far better meal choice than many other takeaway foods.” After being shortlisted last year, Harbourside worked tirelessly to get the edge on this year’s competition, says co-owner Sarah Lock. “It’s our mission to provide our customers with the healthiest fish and chip options available.”
Harbourside Fish & Chips, 35 Southside Street, Plymouth, Devon PL1 2LE
www.barbicanfishandchips.co.uk
BURTON ROAD CHIPPY
NFF “Champion” & Marketing Innovation Award 

Burton Road Chippy picked up two prizes: the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF) Fish and Chip Quality Award “Champion” Award, the pinnacle of the industry body’s award schemes; and the Marketing Innovation Award. “We always try to be original and think outside the box when it comes to marketing,” says Des Anastasiou, co-owner of the Lincoln chippy, which also may well be the most active in the country on social media.
Burton Road Chippy, 169 Burton Rd, Lincoln LN1 3LW
www.burtonroadchippy.co.uk
FISHNCHICKN
Best Multiple Fish & Chip Operator

With 38 outlets across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hampshire and Hertfordshire, the family-run FishnChicknwas is Britain’s biggest independent fish and chips chain – and now officially it’s best. “To achieve this award is a real achievement and we’re so happy to be recognised for all our hard work,” says chairman Hugh Lipscombe.
www.fishnchickn.co.uk
JOHN BOUTWOOD, ISLE OF ELY PRODUCE
Outstanding Achievement Award 

John Boutwood, MD of Isle of Ely Produce, started out selling potatoes to the trade more than 40 years ago. Despite a horrific car crash that confined him to a wheelchair for life, he continued in the business and now he and his son Oliver distribute more than two million bags of potatoes to fish and chip shops across the UK and Ireland every year. John is also owner of Chippy Chat, the leading magazine for fish friers and suppliers, and sponsor of the annual “Field to Frier Award”, introduced to stimulate knowledge sharing within the trade, showcase new product launches and build a community.
Isle of Ely Produce
www.isleofely.co.uk
THE FISH BAR AT SUNNYBANK
From Field to Frier Award

This lively business in Crewe scooped the prize for the best potatoes. “I always think chips tend to be overlooked,” says co-owner Craig Buckley. But not at the Fish Bar, clearly. “We carry out regular testing to ensure the quality is the best we can get.”
The Fish Bar at Sunnybank, 645 West St, Crewe, Cheshire East CW2 8SL
www.thefishbar.co.uk