CHIP CHIP HOORAY - UK’s top fish and chip shop announced - 23/01/2008

The Townhead Café, in the Scottish Borders town of Biggar, has been crowned the UK’s best fish and chip shop at the finals of the national Fish & Chip Shop of the Year competition, today (Wednesday 23 January 2008).

Gordon and Sandra Hillan, owners of the chippy, received the gong from celebrity chef, Ainsley Harriott, at the Royal Garden Hotel in London.   The last time a Scottish champion achieved the national accolade was in 1998.

Andy’s Fish Bar in Swadlincote, Derbyshire came second in the competition with Seniors in Thornton Cleveleys following closely in third place.

Gordon Hillan has worked in the fish and chips industry for nearly 30 years, learning the ropes from his dad, a cook in the merchant navy, from the tender age of 16.

Gordon and his wife Sandra embrace the issue of sustainable sourcing, prominently displaying the source of the seafood they serve throughout the shop.

To attend the ceremony, the couple had to turn down an invitation from their MP, David Mundell, to tea at the House of Commons. So David joined them instead at the gala lunch to share their big day.

Gordon and Sandra battered off stiff competition from the nine other UK finalists. After several rounds of judging, including a mystery shopper visit, the outcome was finally decided after a round of presentations to a panel of industry experts.

For the first time in the competition’s history, entrants were judged on their commitment to building a sustainable future for the industry. Points were given to shops according to their use of sustainable species and the measures they have in place to encourage customers to try something new.

Gordon said: “This is a true honour to be crowned the UK’s top chippy. I have been working towards this goal for many years and I’m delighted to be taking it back to Scotland. Running the shop is hard work but this victory proves it’s worth all the effort. I’d like to say a huge thanks to my team for their hard work and passion which is the real secret behind us winning this award.”

Ainsley Harriott, who has presented the awards for two years running, said: “Running a top quality fish and chip shop involves a tremendous amount of hard work but when I stood here a year ago I realised just how much passion is needed too.

“It’s great to see the sustainable practices the shops are adopting and their commitment to introducing customers to some of the delicious alternative species our hard-working fisherman have to offer. It’s an example that everyone should follow.”

The competition, run by industry body, Seafish, is in its 20th year and celebrates the nation’s favourite takeaway. There are 255 million portions of fish and chips sold every year, outselling Indian takeaways by around two to one. Fish and chips contain a third less calories and around 40 per cent less fat than many other popular takeaways.

Andy Gray, project manager of the national Fish & Chip Shop of the Year competition, said: “Every year we see the competition standards getting higher and the decision gets tougher. The Townhead Café is an excellent example of a high quality fish and chip shop serving the best possible products to customers. They will be valuable ambassadors for the industry.”