In a secret review of the nation’s fish and chip restaurants, Bredon Village Fish and Chip Shop near Tewkesbury has come out on top.
The popular Gloucestershire chippy has made it to the shortlist of 50 of the UK's best places to grab a portion of the good stuff in the Fry Awards 2022/2023.
Judges check standards in food, customer service and marketing in mystery visits to shops the length and breadth of the UK.
They review the results of what mystery diners spot when they go into premises unannounced and secretly scrutinise a host of aspects including the quality of the food, the cleanliness of the premises, staff knowledge, value for money, ease of ordering and social media presence.
Takeaway shops had to achieve at least a 95 per cent or over rating to win an award.
The mystery diner at Bredon Village Fish and Chip Shop recorded: 'All the staff were welcoming and very pleasant to myself and the other customers both when greeting and taking orders.
'It is difficult to see how what they do and how they do it could be improved. It certainly is one of the very best I have visited. Polite, cheerful and efficient. The staff are very good and customer orientated. The quality of the food is excellent. It does what it does exceptionally well.'
Owner of Bredon Village Fish and Chip Shop, Lucy Cox, said: 'It is an honour to be chosen to be in the top 50 chip shops in the UK, but not surprising given the hard work put in by everyone who works so hard here each and every single day to make it a success.'
Competition organiser, Reece Head, said: 'It’s 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.
'We’re seeing shops introduce vegan and gluten free options to appeal to a wider customer base, install self-serve kiosks and develop online ordering apps to make serving easier, invest in new frying equipment to produce better quality fish and chips, and embrace social media to engage with and reach more customers.
'The businesses that make up our 50 best fish and chip takeaways 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.'
Bredon Village Fish and Chip Shop in Station Drive has its own ordering app and is open seven days a week.
