Eric’s of Thornham makes final ten for National Fish and Chip Awards
Eric’s Fish and Chip’s in Thornham has been shortlisted for the best chippy in the UK.
The National Fish and Chip Awards has announced the ten best businesses from across the UK, all shortlisted for the Restaurant of the Year prize.
The industry’s most prominent awards are back to celebrate the businesses producing fish and chips of the highest quality, as well as utilising sustainable sources and running tight ships to ensure employee satisfaction, customer service, and more, are delivered consistently well.
The category’s criteria must be meticulously achieved for the contenders to progress through the process, which has been designed by the ‘cods’ of the fish and chip world to ensure standards within the industry remain top tier.
Eric’s Fish and Chips in Thornham has made the top ten and is now waiting on the news to see if they will make it to the awards ceremony next year.
Andrew Crook, awards organiser, and president of the National Federation of Fish Friers, said: “Restaurant of the Year is a favourite category for the judges as there is so much variety in the applicants’ approaches to building on their current level.
“It’s inspirational to see how our shortlisted lineup is overcoming challenges and thinking of new ways to encourage repeat business in the current climate.
“We are only at the beginning of the competition but it’s already clear that there is going to be a lot of deliberating and tough decision-making to come, but it’s a testament to these great people who are pouring everything they have into their businesses and we are here to spur them on to achieve all their goals.”
The category is sponsored by the Q Partnership, three independent, family-owned businesses – FriarsPride, Henry Colbeck and V.A. Whitley – which supply the UK fish and chip industry with goods and services.
Robert Fernandes, marketing manager at V.A. Whitley, said: “V.A. Whitley is extremely proud to be one of the new category sponsors for Restaurant of the Year, along with our partners at Henry Colbeck and Friars Pride.
“As proud sponsors of these prestigious awards, we celebrate the remarkable achievements and dedication of individuals and teams who inspire excellence in this great industry.
“Together, we honour innovation, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of success that drives us all forward.
“We would like to congratulate all entrants on achieving the consistently high standards which have brought them this far. The standard of operators in the fish and chip world continues to rise and it is great to see.
“The National Fish and Chip Awards drives high standards and demonstrates what great support there is from all areas of our industry, with the common aim of ensuring that this wonderful trade continues to flourish across the country by offering quality fish, chips and mushy peas for all to enjoy.
“V.A. Whitley has been delivering excellent service and quality products to the fish and chip trade in England and Wales for over 125 years.
“We would like to take this opportunity to wish all entrants the very best of luck going forward.”
Georgina Colbeck, director at Henry Colbeck added: “We are excited to sponsor the restaurant category for the first time this year because we want to support and highlight the amazing work that restaurants across our industry do to ensure fish and chips remains a vital and successful part of the modern dining landscape.”
Other shortlisted shops included Noah’s in Bristol, Bells Fish & Chips in Durham, Pier Point in Devon, Malt and Anchor in Gloucestershire, Toff’s of Muswell Hill in London, Upstairs @ No1 in Cromer, The Cod’s Scallops in Nottingham, Trenchers Spanish City in Whitley Bay and Whitby’s Fish & Chip Restaurant in Doncaster.
More assessments are to come, which will see the shortlist halved. The remaining restaurants will be the finalists, and the winner will be crowned on February 26 at the London awards ceremony at the Park Plaza, Westminster Bridge.