NI fish and chip shops make shortlist for national awards

By David Hunter

Some of Northern Ireland’s top fish and chip shops have been shortlisted for the 30th National Fish & Chip Awards.

Six chippies have been whittled down to the shop of the year category, in the 'Oscars' of the fish and chip industry. 

The awards, organised by Seafish, spread across fifteen categories, with the winners to be revealed at an event in London next January. 

Stores nominated are Chaska in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh; Silverfin Traditional Fish & Chips in Newry, County Armagh and County Down; Superbites in Crossmaglen, County Armagh; Fish City in Belfast, County Antrim; The Dolphin Takeaway in Dungannon, County Tyrone; and The Friary in Carrickfergus, County Antrim.
 
Judges say they use 'vigorous criteria', including menu development and innovation, sustainable sourcing policies, staff training processes, and marketing techniques.
 
Over the coming weeks the shops will be whittled down to a ‘Top 20’, then ‘Top 10’, before the final stage of judging in London in January 2018.  
 
Marcus Coleman, Chief Executive at Seafish, said: “This award showcases the best of the best, the local fish and chip shops that we all love to eat from.

"The calibre of shops in this year’s top 60 is outstanding – they are a true representation of our industry and sum up perfectly why British fish and chips are, and will always be, the best in the world.

"With 60 shortlisted shops to choose from, why not take a trip to your nearest contender and see how you rate it?”