CHIP CHIP HOORAY!
UK's best chippy heads back to Scotland with the trophy for third year in a row
A record number of guests attended this year's 22nd Fish and Chip Shop of the Year Competition Awards lunch to see first time entrant Atlantic Fast Food in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, win first place and take the title of best fish and chip shop in the UK back to Scotland for the third consecutive year.
Owner Giovanni Fionda and his mum and dad, were presented with the trophy by fellow Italian and TV chef Aldo Zilli at a ceremony at the Riverbank Park Plaza Hotel in London on 21st January. In an emotional acceptance speech Giovanni thanked his parents, who have been running shops for many years, for giving him the opportunity.
Commenting on his triumph, Giovanni said: "To win this competition as a first time entrant is a dream come true. It's the best thing to have happened to us in our professional life and has made all the hard work worth it. We've worked in the fish and chips business for many years and it's always been great fun. Our team is extremely hard working and it's thanks to them and our loyal customers that we are taking home this trophy."
Finnegan's Fish Bar in Porthcawl, South Wales, came second with Midlands regional winner Great British Eatery in Birmingham coming third.
The awards lunch also recognised the rising talent within our industry with Daniel Harding of Angel Lane Chippie in Penrith winning the title of Young Fish Frier of the Year. Sean Lloyd of Pisces, Fleetwood, came a close second followed by Laura Spavin of Cleethorpes Mermaid, Cleethorpes, who came third. Winners of the following categories were also announced: Good Catch Award, Heinz PleazMe! Award, Favourite Frier Award, Staff Training & Development Award, Contribution to the Local Community Award and Multiple Fish and Chip Retailer Award.
