A new TV search for Britain's best takeaways features a Welsh couple who have split up but still manage to run a successful fish and chip shop together. Hamid and Mia are behind Cardiff's successful Posh Fish and Chip Company and are one of two takeaways flying the flag for Wales on the BBC show Britain's Best Takeaways, hosted by Sara Cox.
Co-owners, Hamid and Mia opened their first branch in Llandaff in April 2013 and say: "We're all about creating sustainable, quality-food, taking takeaway to a whole new level."
Mia says: "Hamid and I have a very unusual relationship. We used to be married but now we're not. We care so much for this business though." Hamid, meanwhile, responds by saying that even though the pair "have [their] moments", they work together amazingly well.
The Posh Fish and Chip Company has received numorous awards since opening nine years ago and is featured in our guide to the best fish and chip shops in Wales.
Read more: The small Cardiff sushi diner that's shortlisted in the UK's first ever Uber Eats awards
The duo had to impress five families with their dishes on the TV search, which launched on Monday, May 9 with the fish and chip shop category. The Posh Fish and Chip Company's 'posh' dishes include the likes of lobster and homemade fish cakes, which according to their website, have allowed them to become a 'firm gourmet favourite'.
Competing alongside Hamid and Mia were Hugh and William from Tony’s Chippy in Glasgow, Strad and Gina from Chris’s Chip Shop in Leicestershire, Adam and Amber from Hirds’ Family Fisheries in Huddersfield and Vic and Bonny from Simpsons in Cheltenham.
Mia was confident the families "will be open to the new flavours that we're bringing". In round one, The Posh Fish and Chip Company served up their North Atlantic Battered Cod and with its presentation and colour of the batter praised, the pair ended the round in a healthy third place.
In the second round, Hamid and Mia decided to display their Battered Lobster Tail in an attempt to bring a touch of class to the dinner table. One family described the lobster as 'beautiful' and 'not too wet, not too dry.'
In the next round, serving food to not only a vegetarian couple but also a boxing gym full of people, the Posh Fish and Chip Company certainly had their work cut out. In an attempt to win over the vegetarians, Hamid and Mia served their 'Posh Vish Supper', which consisted of faux fish made from banana. Meanwhile, they produced their famous lobster for the gym. Whilst the banana dish went down a storm, there were mixed opinions on their Battered Lobster with one person describing it as 'a bit soggy'.
As the episode drew to a close, it was revealed that unfortunately, The Posh Fish and Chip Company didn't quite do enough to take the title but with all results very close, Sara Cox declared that, "everyone is a winner today".
The Posh Fish and Chip company aren't the only Welsh hopefuls as Bangkok Express in Swansea will compete in a future episode and you can read more about them here.
Britain's Top Takeaways airs on BBC Two at 8pm on Monday, May 9
