Kingfisher Fish and Chips in Plympton, Plymouth, Devon has been crowned the best fish and chip shop in the UK today (26 January) at the 'Oscars' of the fish frying industry.
The shop scooped the ultimate title -
The new UK champions were presented with their award at a prestigious ceremony today at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel in London.
To secure the top spot, Kingfisher Fish and Chips had to beat the competition whilst progressing through a rigorous, multi-
The final stage of judging, held the day before the awards ceremony (25 January), put the shop's presentation skills to the test as they faced a 14-
Commenting on their award win after receiving the famous trophy from awards host, Nigel Barden, voice of food and drink on BBC Radio 2, shop owners Nikki Mutton and Craig Maw said: "We are absolutely elated! We've entered this award three times now, coming second last year, so to go all the way is amazing -
"We've only owned the shop for four years and have already achieved some amazing things; we have the world's most sustainable seafood menu, are one of only two fish and chip businesses in the UK to have a 3 star rating from the Sustainable Restaurant Association, along with over 25 industry and non-
"We've worked hard to take sustainability to the next level and this is at the core of our business. We're proud to offer over 12 Marine Stewardship Council certified fish species, but we've not stopped there; we even use QR codes to let customers trace the journey of their fish, from sea to plate.
"It feels like everything we've worked for has come to fruition now. We're more than ready to take the crown, and look forward to championing our industry and the nation's favourite takeaway."
Ben Bartlett, Master Craftsman of the Craft Guild of Chefs, and a member of this year's final judging panel, commented: "This year was definitely Kingfisher's year -
"With inspiring passion, they are consistently looking to improve their offering and strive for perfection -
Marcus Coleman, Chief Executive at Seafish, added: "The aim of the National Fish & Chip Awards has always been to showcase the very best fish and chip businesses and individuals in the UK while setting incredibly high standards for the industry.
"Every year Seafish sees new and more established talent vie for the top title. The judging process is extremely challenging with shops thoroughly being put through their paces, but this year, it was Kingfisher's boundless enthusiasm and commitment that made them stand out as a clear winner.
"We wish them all the best as they begin their journey as the UK's top shop, but also thank them for helping us to reinforce the UK's reputation as the home of the world's best fish and chips."
Now in their 29th year, The National Fish & Chip Awards are recognised as one of the most prominent and respected seafood industry events in the UK. They celebrate the British tradition of fish and chips, showcasing the best talent, quality and choice offered by fish and chip businesses through 14 different award categories.
The Independent Takeaway Fish and Chip Shop of the Year Award is one of the highest industry honours to receive as a fish and chip business