A Nottinghamshire chip shop that opened just seven months ago has made it down to the final five in prestigious national awards. The Cod's Scallops, located at the £20m Wilford Lane retail park, in West Bridgford, has been shortlisted in the Restaurant of the Year in the National Fish & Chip Awards.
It is the only chip shop in Nottinghamshire to be shortlisted - and hopes to repeat the success of its sister shop in Wollaton which was crowned the best takeaway in the UK in 2020. The awards, which have been going for more than 30 years, celebrate the nation's favourite dish, while championing the eclectic eateries that hold up the popular British tradition.
The top five has been whittled down from the top ten announced last month. The other finalists are located in Belfast, Cirencester, Hunstanton and Thornham, a village in Norfolk.
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The criteria for making it this far considered expert industry knowledge and outstanding customer service, alongside strong environmental standards and ability to observe sustainability best practice. The next round involves a 30-minute Zoom presentation.
Just this week staff had to hand the 2020 trophy back, having held on to it for longer than usual due to the awards being cancelled during the pandemic.
They said: "What a win that was. We are so proud of all our amazing, hardworking staff. They all make our business what it is. What a team. We’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of our wonderful customers for the continued support and of course our fabulous team."
Once a chip shop has won they're unable to enter the same category again, which is why they've gone for Restaurant of the Year this time. The Cod's Scallops opened at the retail park in April, following success in Carrington, Wollaton, Long Eaton, Market Harborough and Harborne near Birmingham.
The 38-seater licensed restaurant also has a takeaway. The vast menu includes up to 20 types of fish and shellfish such as salmon, monkfish, oysters, lobster and mussels. There's also award-winning steak and Scale Ale pies plus all the usual chip shop favourites such as sausages, fishcakes, curry sauce and pickled eggs.
Last month a reviewer said: "Recently moved to the area so came here as a post-move reward on a Monday. They still had a summertime lunch deal of large haddock and chips for £8.50 which was quite frankly a steal.
"The curry sauce so much more than what you'd get from a typical chippy. Locally brewed beer specific to the chain was a great touch too. The interior and service was just lovely. Eaten at other locations before and always better than average. Glad to have it on my doorstep!"
The awards are the largest UK-wide event dedicated to raising standards across the industry whilst supporting fish and chip businesses. The winner will be announced at The National Fish & Chip Awards, hosted by the The National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), on February 28, 2023 in London.
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