Celebrity chef and restaurateur, Brian Turner, CBE, from Ready Steady Cook today (Friday 3 June) kicks off the hunt to find the UK’s top chippies as he launches the 2005 National Fish & Chip Shop of the Year competition.
Fish and chips are Britain’s number one take-away with more than 261 million meals sold per year. Organised by the Sea Fish Industry Authority (Seafish) the awards, now in their 18th year, are the most highly sought after accolade in the fish and chip world, and aim to recognise the hard work and quality of the industry.
Brian launched the competition with current British champions, Gregg and Caroline Howard from Our Plaice in West Hagley in the Midlands, who have seen their business soar by 30 per cent since winning. Brian said: “Whenever I am due to visit home I think of fish and chips for nearly a week beforehand and drool. For me the crispness of the batter, the bite of the flesh and the golden crisp chips make fish and chips a dish to rival any in the world.”
There are over 11,500 fish and chips shops in the UK and all who have entered have the chance of being named the best fish and chip shop in their area as well as the best in Britain. Customers now have two weeks to vote for their favourite chippy by filling out nomination forms in participating shops.
Andy Gray, Seafish project manager for the awards said: “Since the competition launched 18 year ago we have seen a lot of changes over the years. We’ve gone from newspaper wrapping to cardboard containers and traditional décor to modern funky shops offering up to 20 different species of fish. But we’ve held onto the top quality standards and the industry continues to go from strength to strength.
“The competition captures the heart of the nation and is a fantastic way of recognising the hard work of the fish and chip industry. We are urging everybody to help us find the best chippy in the UK by filling out the nomination forms in their local shops. So if you’ve got a favourite chippy get out there and vote!”
The top 10 shops in 19 regions of the UK who receive the most customer nominations will be visited over a seven week period by mystery judges, who will score them on a variety of factors including the quality of their products, customer service, working practices, hygiene standards and overall presentation of the shops.
The top fish and chip shop in each of the 19 specified areas will be announced in September and from this listing a further round of in-depth judging will determine the top 10 shops in the country. The grand finale will be held at the Tower Thistle hotel in London on 1 February 2006 where the overall UK winner will be unveiled.
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Pictures of Brian Turner launching the awards are available from News Team on 0121 246 5511.
History of fish and chips and competition/celebrity quotes/trends and stats available on request.
Interviews are available with Brian Turner, Gregg and Caroline Howard and Andy Gray. To arrange please call 3x1 on 0141 221 0707 or Alison Laing on 07879 621139.
Notes to editors
The Fish and Chip Shop of the Year Competition is sponsored by the Frozen at Sea Fillets Association (FASFA) and Seafood Scotland. FASFA is a trade organisation representing trawler owners (from the UK, Norway, Iceland, Faroe Islands, Russia and Greenland) and UK distributors of ‘frozen at sea’ filleted fish. Seafood Scotland is a Trade Association set up by the industry to promote Scottish seafood. Its goal is to enhance the competitive performance, quality practices and global position of the Scottish seafood industry. For more information go to www.seafoodscotland.org or call 0131 557 9344.
There are over 11,500 shops across the UK selling more than 261 million meals annually with a turnover of more than £600 million. The sector employs over 61,000 people.
Cod is the most popular fish sold in fish and chip shops accounting for 61.5% of fish sold, followed by haddock at 25%. Other white fish such as plaice are also popular.
Fish and chips is an excellent source of vitamins and high quality protein with 334 less calories than an average portion of Chicken Tikka Massala, Deep Pan Cheese and Tomato Pizza and Donor Kebab.
Seafish was established by the Government in 1981 and is a non departmental public body. It serves all sectors of the UK seafood industry – fishermen, processors, wholesalers, importers, exporters, seafood farmers, fish friers, caterers and retailers and is also responsible for consumers.