A popular Lanarkshire chippie has added to its lengthy list of awards by tasting success at the Scottish takeaway awards.
Tony’s chip shop in Coatbridge took the title of fish and chip takeaway of the year at a ceremony in Glasgow, winning the overall national award after being crowned the best of four regional winners.
Delighted owner Hugh Innes described the triumph as “mind blowing” and thanked his staff and customers for the support which has helped them rack up a series of successes and even a television appearance.
Shawhead chippie Tony’s was named winner of the south-west regional category at the second annual takeaway awards ceremony, going on to claim the overall award.
Hugh posted: “Still can’t believe it. We competed with some of the best fish and chip shops in Scotland – to be the best you must beat the best.
“To win is mind-blowing for me and my team, and without them and my customers this would not be possible – thank you all so much.”
It was the Coatbridge takeaway’s ninth award in six years, following on from recent successes including their two consecutive entries in industry publication Fry magazine’s top 50 UK takeaways, this year becoming one of only 10 in Scotland to feature and the only one in the central belt.
Hugh posted: “Thanks to everyone that has been part of our journey at Tony’s; if you’re passionate about your craft you can achieve your goals to be up there [with] the best in Scotland.
“Thank you to all my customers for your support and well done to all my amazing staff for all their hard work.”
Hugh told Lanarkshire Live: “We’re really chuffed, and we’re grateful to have the opportunity to compete with the best and to be picked as the winner against some fantastic and famous chip shops.”
Representatives of the shortlisted takeaways from across Scotland attended the awards event, described by organisers as “a great opportunity to showcase those who are considered the best choice by the public”.
An awards spokesperson said: “We’re honoured by the fantastic response we have had from the public who were so keen to vote for their favourite takeaways, and the winners are an outstanding example of excellence whose dedication to be the best has made them stand out.
“We aimed to seek out, reward and thank those who have managed to make a real difference by serving fantastic food, using the best of ingredients, and we congratulate all finalists and winners for their amazing achievements.”
Hugh and shop manager William Limerick recently appeared on BBC2 show Britain’s Top Takeaways, flying the flag for Scotland in the fish and chips-themed episode of the series.
They developed a special unique menu and featured their popular “one and one” battered and breaded fish supper as they cooked up a storm for a judging panel of customers on the show presented by Sara Cox and Darren Harriot.
Describing it as “an amazing experience”, Hugh previously told Lanarkshire Live: “Being able to cook on primetime national TV is incredible and we loved every minute of being around such positive people who are very passionate about the industry and what they do.”
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