A North Tyneside chippy has been shortlisted as one of forty finalists for the National Fish & Chip Awards 2023.
Fisherman's Bay on East Parade in Whitley Bay is the North East's only representation on the shortlist, which is looking to celebrate the best fish and chip takeaway throughout 2022. Some may be surprised that the likes of Coastline in Blyth, Lewis's in Seahouses, and Colman's in South Shields haven't made the shortlist, with all three of those being named among the best in the country in various lists in 2022.
However, Fisherman's Bay is well-qualified to fly the flag for the region, having already been named one of the 10 Best Fish & Chip Restaurants at the Fry Magazine Awards in March this year. It has also been shortlisted for an international competition for the first time, and is up for Best British Restaurant along with Colmans Seafood Temple at the International Dining Awards 2022.
Read more: Five top-rated fish and chip shops in Whitley Bay and Tynemouth that are loved by locals
Judging criteria for Fish and Chip Takeaway of the Year 2023 included demonstration of high levels of knowledge of the fish and chip industry, including customer service, and environmental and sustainably good practices. The National Fish and Chip Awards has been celebrating the nation's favourite dish for more than three decades, and the next winner will be unveiled at the Awards Ceremony held at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge on February 28 2023.
Manager Steven Dhillon said: "It's brilliant to be honest, we've done really well the last couple of years and we wanted to try for this award from the get go. We've won local and regional awards for two years running, but the biggest and best one we want to get our hands on is the National Fish and Chip Awards."
Manager Deborah Surtees, added: "We fry everything to order so our food is always fresh. Customer service is a big thing too, we always get quite highly noted for that as well as the food, and customers have kept coming back and the business has grown over the last three years."
Despite the awards, Fisherman's Bay is not immune to the Cost of Living crisis. Steven added: "Fish and chip shops have been one of the worst hit places, they're expecting one in three to close by next year, the cost of living crisis is very concerning for the whole market - all these awards will give us a chance to survive, hopefully."
Andrew Crook, President at The National Federation of Fish Friers, said: "Being able to announce the top 40 finalists for this category is an absolute pleasure. It is no secret that the industry are facing some challenges.
"That said, this industry is built upon British stoicism. And with spirit and determination we are committed to supporting our members and seeing through tough times. We cannot wait to celebrate at the awards ceremony in February 2023."
What's your favourite fish and chip shop in the North East? Let us know!
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