Prestwich chip shop Chips @ No 8 has gone through to the final 20 in the whole of the UK in the ‘chip shop World Cup’. The celebrated North Manchester chippie revealed last month that it had got through to the final 40 in the whole of the UK in this year’s National Fish and Chip Awards.
Organised by trade body the National Federation of Fish Fryers, it’s the most coveted award in the world of fish and chips, and has been running for more than 30 years. Owner Dan Edwards told the M.E.N: “It’s a privilege to be listed alongside the other 19 excellent fish and chip shops who made the final 20 too.
“The whole team here can be incredibly proud of themselves to have got this far but we’re focussed on continuing to deliver a great product and hopefully that will carry us further in the competition. We’re not ready for our journey to end just yet!”
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Judging of the final 20 businesses is a rigorous process, with the number being whittled down to a final 10 before the awards ceremony in London in February next year. The chip shops in the final 10 will undergo mystery shopper visits while the contest’s judging panel come behind the counter to look at the business in detail.
All manner of attributes are taken into account, including sustainability, marketing, staff training, health and safety and hygiene.
Andrew Crook, President at the NFFF, said: “We received such a high standard of applications this year, for this category in particular, making it a very difficult yet rewarding judging process.
“The top 20 really demonstrate a strong commitment to the fish and chip industry and to the British public, so we’re thrilled to see so many shortlisted from across the country. Congratulations to everyone involved, this is a massive achievement in itself.”
Chips @ No 8 will find out soon whether it has made it into the final 10 entrants, before the final judging. The ceremony takes place on February 28 at the Park Plaza in Westminster.
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