Devon chippy in the running to be named UK's best newcomer
A Devon fish and chip shop is in the running to be named the UK's best newcomer at a prestigious awards. Alan’s Fish and Chips is up against chippies from Uxbridge, Yorkshire, Northern Ireland and Kent.
All of the shortlisted business began trading on, or after January 1, 2023. To be named Newcomer of the Year at the National Fish & Chip Awards 2025 they'll now need to impress mystery shoppers and impress in an interview.
Alan's, in Cullompton, opened in August 2023. It continues a family tradition, opening in memory of a "beloved dad, grandad, and husband", who had a fish and chip shop in Essex.
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It serves traditional chippy tea favourites like cod and chips, battered sausage and chips and homemade fishcakes and chips. Also on the menu are battered Mars Bars, with them saying: "don’t knock it until you’ve tried it".
They said: "Alan was not just a name, but a symbol of passion for great food and warm hospitality. After his passing, we were inspired to honour his memory by opening our very own fish and chip shop in Cullompton, named “Alan’s” as a tribute to the man who brought so much happiness to people’s lives through his delicious creations."
Alan's Fish and Chips is up against Good Cod in Hillingdon, Uxbridge, Mackerel Sky in Stamford Bridge, East Riding of Yorkshire, Skipper Jacks in Clogher, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland and The Anchor in Bexley, London. To make it to the shortlist, owners were tested on their industry knowledge, their environmental and sustainable approaches, customer service and employee welfare.
Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), which organises the awards, said: "The fish and chip industry is incredibly fulfilling, rewarding and fun to be part of but these five businesses opened at a time that was well-documented as challenging for even the most established. However, our shortlisted hopefuls didn’t shy away from the situation and went for it to achieve their dreams, and that leap of faith is paying off.
"They may be new on the scene, but these chip shops are doing noteworthy things already, the teams are energised, full of ideas, passion and drive. The selection process isn’t easy, so we commend all who have entered and got to this stage. We are excited to have this opportunity to work alongside such inspiring people.”
The winner will be named in a ceremony on February 26 at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in London. For more information on the National Fish & Chip Awards visit https://thefishandchipawards.com/.
Find out more about Alan's Fish and Chips here.
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