Here in Wales, we're pretty good when it comes to serving up a plateful - or takeaway box full - of crunchy, salty and utterly moreish fish and chips. And so it comes as no surprise that seven Welsh fish and chips shops have been acknowledged among the 50 Best Fish & Chip Takeaways and 10 Best Fish and Chip Restaurants 2022/2023 awards by Fry Magazine - many of which are in our own round up of Wales' best chippies.
After mystery judges paid visits to these restaurants and takeaway establishments over the last year, the winners were decided by quality of food, cleanliness of premises, staff and their knowledge, ease of ordering, value for money and the brand's social media presence, with many of them being described as "perfectly packaged", "good value", "clean, tidy and presentable" and "excellent" service.
Now in its 11th year, these awards keep up with the ever-changing nature of the food industry and this year, awarded marks out to shops which had adapted and introduced an app from which diners can order their meals ahead of time or for delivery.
Read more: Harry Ramsden's, Ed’s Easy Diner and Caffe Carluccio's are all set to open in Swansea
The Welsh chippies that gained recognition at these prestigious awards, are:
Ainsworth's Fish & Chip Shop, Caernarfon, Gwynedd
Farnhams Fish and Chips, Brook, Llantwit Major
Finney's @ Port Chippy, Amlwch Port, Anglesey
Finney's @ The Golden Fry, Benllech Anglesey
Fish Kitchen 1854, Maesycwmmer, Caerphilly
Hiks, Swansea
Yans Fish Bar, Heath, Cardiff
Speaking of these awards, the competition organiser, Reece Head, said: "Once again we’ve had another year where it’s simply got harder to operate a fish and chip business, with rising energy, labour and ingredient costs taking a heavy toll. It’s not easy but operators are working harder and smarter, staying ahead of changing tastes and behaviours and adapting accordingly.
“Although the profits might not be in fish and chips like they have in years gone by, the passion certainly is. And our awards are a testament to the hard work, dedication and commitment these operators put into running successful businesses."
He added: “The businesses that make up our 50 Best Fish & Chip Takeaways and 10 Best Fish & Chip Restaurants represent the best in the industry. They are pushing forwards while not losing sight of what makes the chippy so engrained in British culture - high quality, value for money food with great customer service and inviting surroundings.”
For the full list of winners, see here.
READ NEXT:
- The bistro that's just been named best restaurant in Wales
- Specialist coffee shop opens seventh branch in Wales' tallest office building
- Husband and wife team making award-winning bao buns open first permanent stall in Cardiff Market
- Cardiff's The Coconut Tree is taking part in a 'power out night' as nine restaurants to go candlelit for charity
- Family apologises as popular Indian restaurant gets food hygiene score of one
