The Midlands has got a new champion chippy!
Oldswinford Fish & Chips in Stourbridge has been voted the best in the Midlands in the UK’s Independent Takeaway Fish and Chip Shop of the Year 2017.
The eatery was originally shortlisted for the award alongside Catchems End, Bewdley; The Golden Carp and Winyates Chippy in Redditch (both run by chips genius Theo Ellinas), Chesters in Chesterfield and Seafish Restaurant in Ripley.
It will now go forward to compete against chip shops across the UK for a chance to win UK best fish and chip shop of the year in the awards run by Seafish.
All of the regional winners are being taken to Norway for an educational experience about sustainable fishing.
They will then face a final round of judging in London on January 25 before the result is revealed on January 26, 2017.
Last year’s UK winner was Simpsons Fish & Chips in Cheltenham which has been invited to cook fish and chips at a British Fair in Japan this month.
What do the owners say?
Zach Ioannou, co-owner of Oldswinford Fish & Chips, says: “Our shop has been in our family for more than 39 years, but we re-branded to Oldswinford Fish & Chips in 2012 when my brother, John, and I took over.
“We’ve since established a loyal customer base but competition around here is unbelievable.
“Having unsuccessfully entered this award category three years ago, reaching the top ten this year comes as long-awaited recognition – it’s unbelievable!
“We took on board all the comments and feedback from previous entries to the awards and look where we are now.
“We place a strong focus on customer service and marketing – working hard with our team of 10 dedicated staff to ensure all of our customers are happy with the fish and chips experience.
“We’ve also been pushing our brand on social media, especially during the different rounds of competition judging, in order to stay relevant and help us target new customers.
“It honestly means the world to the family to be named the Midlands’ best fish and chip shop as part of this year’s awards! Let’s hope we bring the overall national title home!”
What does the boss of Seafish think?
Seafish chief executive Marcus Coleman says: “The Independent Takeaway Fish and Chip Shop of the Year Award is one of the highest honours a fish and chip business can receive.
“The judging process is extremely challenging with shops thoroughly being put through their paces – all ten finalists are a credit to the industry and I commend them for reaching this stage of the competition.”
Watch White Dee eating chips in her favourite Winson Green chippy
The other regional winners
Fochabers Fish Bar in Fochabers, Moray (Scotland)
Hennighan’s Top Shop in Machynlleth, Powys (Wales)
The Dolphin Takeaway in Dungannon, County Tyrone (Northern Ireland)
Miller’s Fish and Chips in Haxby, North Yorkshire (North East England)
Hodgson’s Chippy in Lancaster, Lancashire (North West England)
Burton Road Chippy in Lincoln, Lincolnshire (Eastern England)
Henley’s of Wivenhoe in Wivenhoe, Colchester (London & South East England)
Godfrey’s Fish and Chips in Harpenden, Hertfordshire (Central & Southern England)
Kingfisher Fish and Chips in Plympton, Plymouth (South & West England)
