WITH one month to go before the winners are announced, the National Fish and Chip Awards has revealed its finalists – including three top Scottish offerings picking up nominations.
The awards have been running for more than 30 years and this year will mark the first time that they are hosted by the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF).
Among the nominees are three Scottish businesses: The Fish Works, Low's Traditional Fish & Chips and The Real Food Café.
Andrew Crook, president at the NFFF, said: “It was a tricky job whittling down the top 20 to the top 10, but the chosen takeaways have demonstrated a clear reason as to why they are deserving of this accolade.
“All finalists should be extremely proud and our judges are looking forward to getting stuck into the next set of judging!”
The Fish Works in Largs, North Ayrshire, is a family-run takeaway which serves made-to-order fish and chips to the seafront community.
The shop, run by Ross and Tiffany Irvin, who have both worked in the food industry for more than 40 years, has been shortlisted for the Takeaway of the Year Top 10.
It has also been nominated for two additional categories: Environment and Sustainability Champion, which “celebrates businesses that strive to achieve sustainable and environmentally friendly practices”; and Quality Accreditation Champion which “celebrates businesses throughout the UK that give their customers the best quality fish and chips”.
Also nominated in the Top 10 is Lows Traditional Fish & Chips in Westhill, Aberdeenshire.
Lows was established 30 years ago in the heart of Westhill by Clifford Low, who had spent his whole life in the industry.
The business recently expanded and now has a second site in Berryden Business Park.
The Real Food Cafe in Tyndrum, Stirling, is a dog-friendly roadside diner and is one of three restaurants shortlisted for the Field to Frier award.
This category recognises “excellence in potato knowledge, care and chip preparation”.
This year’s ceremony will be presented by comedian and presenter Jason Manford and will take place on the February 28, 2023, at the Park Plaza, Westminster Bridge.
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