Chippy Chat - March 23

Desserts to delight!

Kerrymaid Angelito Ice Cream Mix and DaVinci Drizzles are the perfect partners to boost sales this summer. It might not seem like it right now, but it won’t be long before the days get longer, and the weather gets warmer. And when the temperature outside rises, so do ice cream sales.

Get summer ready with the delicious creamy taste of Kerrymaid Angelito Ice Cream Mix. Paired with any soft scoop machine, the 1-litre mix offers the delicious taste of Irish dairy ice cream with the thick, smooth, silky texture customers know and love.

Excellent profit margins

Whether it’s a single-serve cone to-go, an ice cream sundae piled high or the finishing touch to a sticky toffee pudding or apple crumble, Kerrymaid Angelito Ice Cream Mix is not only super versatile but it also offers a great yield and guarantees excellent profit margins. In fact, it generates the highest cone yield per case!

PROFIT GENERATOR

Pack Size 12 x 1tr – approx price from wholesaler €22.00

14 x 7oz servings per 1ltr

RRP 1.95 per 7oz = €27.30 in sales per 1litre

So that’s €302.30 PROFIT PER PACK!

Take it to the max!

Give your menu even more appeal by pairing

Kerrymaid Angelito Ice Cream Mix with DaVinci Drizzles, a range of sauces that include popular flavours such as Belgian Chocolate, Raspberry, and Strawberry. The drizzles are

available in 500g bottles, you can be as creative as you desire - add one sauce or multiple, add them as toppings or weave through in ribbons to create layers - and each addition is an opportunity to upsell further. Why stop there? You can take your dessert offering to a whole new level by adding sprinkles, crushed Maltesers, chunks of Mars Bars, crumbled Oreos or even popping candy, with each ‘extra’ commanding a 50p surcharge while costing you pennies. All of these profit-maximising strategies are used by high-street dessert chains and will allow you to spruce up your menu and capture much more value from customers.

Add Kerrymaid Angelito Ice Cream Mix and DaVinci Drizzles to your dessert offering, it will make it impossible for your customers to say no!

For more information on Kerrymaid, visit www.kerrymaid.com

Austen Dack

Publishing Editor

The Greatest Show on Earth!

The Year March-es On!

Well already approaching the end of the first quarter of 2018! Hopefully it will be a busy one for shops and suppliers as we approach Mother’s day and Easter too. Congratulations to all at Friars Pride. Once again, they have delivered a fantastic trade show with even more visitors it seemed than ever.

Onceagain hundreds descended on London for the return of the (2023) Fish and Chip Awards! Well done to the NFFF for taking on this incredible platform for our industry. The board including Andrew Crook, Caroline Murphy, Lesley Graves & Josette Foster all worked incredibly hard to make them happen giving up their own free time and time away from their businesses.

A busy offering this month for your delights. First off we review many of our oil and fat suppliers giving you the chance to see what many top shops are using and why. Also,

Congratulations of course go to Whiteheads of Hornsea for taking the overall prize. They run an incredible shop, and have wowed the judges with best practice, they are also lovely people too, we wish them good luck for their year!

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we have our great sausage feature too!

Our front-page partner for March is Pukka Pies. They supply millions of pies to fish and chip shops across the UK and they are helping us celebrate National Pie Week. If you would like to advertise, get involved or tell us some news please email me austen@ chippychat.co.uk – thanks for your support enjoy the issue.

The Top Ten regional finalists this year were all brilliant and judging I am told was a close call indeed. Well done to all the other finalists and award winners across all the categories. With the right PR skills this competition should provide them all with some good trade uplift in the coming year. A special congratulations to our Field to Frier winner The Real Food Cafe too. Our front-page partner for our March issue is Seafood from Norway the overall awards sponsor.

Austen

As usual please contact me at austen@chippychat.co.uk if you have any news or would like to join us as a partner.

Austen Dack Publishing Editor

Save The Last Dance for me!

20 Questions with Carlo Crolla, owner of East Coast Fish & Chips Takeaway and Restaurant, Musselburgh, East Lothian, Scotland

1. What is your connection to fish & chips?

The Crolla family has been serving the local community from our fish and chips takeaway for nearly 50 years. Styles may change, but great flavours, family heritage and warm, friendly service remain as important to me and my wife Katia today as they did 48 years ago.

2. What do you love most about fish & chips?

I love eating freshly cooked fish and chips in the salty sea air. East Coast Fish & Chips Takeaway is located just two minutes’ walk from Musselburgh beach and Fisherrow Harbour on the outskirts of Edinburgh.

3. What do you least like about the business?

The rapidly escalating costs. In March 2022, we supported the industry by teaming up with the National Federation of Fish Friers to launch a nationwide ‘Save Scotland’s Fish & Chip Shops’ campaign.

4. How do you support the local community?

East Coast continues to sponsor and support The Fisherrow and Harbour Seafront Association and Fisherrow Harbour Festival, which was launched in 2018. The Association is now working with East Lothian Council to improve the harbour and seafront in Musselburgh for the benefit of the community, local people and visitors through a series of ongoing fundraising events and voluntary activities just two minutes’ walk from our fish & chips takeaway.

5. What’s the best thing that happens in the fish & chips industry every year?

Being recognised for the consistent quality of our food and service is really important to us year in, year out. East Coast was named the best in Scotland and one of the top 10 in the UK by The Sunday Times in 2022. With an estimated 10,500 chippies across the UK, The Sunday Times singled out East Coast for the nation’s list of top 10 chippies and the only fish and chip shop in Scotland to make the shortlist. The Sunday Times praised the quality and value of our cod, haddock and twice-cooked chips, as well as our Stornoway black pudding fritters. We have won many awards, but this was probably our personal favourite for 2022.

6. What’s your specialist Mastermind subject? Juventus

7. What’s always in your fridge? Bottled water

8. What’s your favourite film?

Too many good films out there to single out just one. I like a film I can watch together with my wife and my 11-year-old son.

9. What was your first job? Working in the chippy of course.

10. Who do you admire most?

I admire anyone that can stare defeat in any circumstance in the face and come out of it undefeated.

11. What is your biggest indulgence?

The best quality local seafood and lobster

from around Scotland’s coastline. It can be a bit expensive these days, but worth every penny.

12. What’s your worst character trait?

I often love food too much and my eyes are too big for my belly when it comes to good quality, wholesome comfort food like homemade pasta.

13. Where is your favourite holiday destination?

I’m Scottish/Italian. My family originate from the region of Lazio in southern Italy. This region of Italy holds so many happy memories for me and has influenced some of the dishes on our restaurant menu.

14. Best day of your life? The day our son was born.

15. What’s your favourite tipple?

Red wine in the colder months, white wine in the warmer months

16. What’s your hidden talent?

I’m a really good dancer, well so I’m told. I’m approaching 50 now and I still clear a dance floor, haha!

17. When were you most embarrassed?

Having my photo taken with a giant pantomime dame mermaid as part of a local community competition. We recently teamed up with our local theatre in the town to launch a new festive pantomime competition for children with a nautical twist.

To help promote the competition in the local newspapers, I reluctantly agreed to have my photograph taken with the lead pantomime dame, a giant mermaid called ‘Betty Brunton’.

18. What’s your earliest memory?

Nobody believes this but I remember

as a one-year-old taking my first steps, then thinking why did no-one tell me this is what to do.

19. What song would you like played at your funeral?

Yellow by Coldplay - we have a lot of history together.

20. Tell us something people don’t know about you?

Initially, I’m always very shy.

WE HAVE SUPPLIED INBUILT SUPERPAD SYSTEMS (TRIPLE FILTRATION) FOR FACTORY FITTING TO:

MARTYN EDWARDS

FRANK FORD

KIREMKO (KFE)

HENRY NUTTALL SCOTRANGE

EDEN RANGE

WE HAVE ALSO RETRO-FITTED BASKET FILTRATION AND SUPER PAD UNITS TO SHOP INSTALLED RANGES. PLEASE CALL FOR ADVICE ON YOUR RANGE

Diary Dates

Business or pleasure, dates not to be missed...

March 20th

What’s Cooking 2022? - Henry Colbeck

Save The Date!

The leading exhibition for Fish & Chips, Pizzas, Kebabs and so much more!

Sunday 20th March Royal Highland Centre Edinburgh EH28 8NB

April 7th & 9th

Good Friday & Easter Weekend

One of the busiest weekends on the chippy calendar

April 21st

April National Tea Day

Behind every great country, there is an even greater beverage helping its people through the day. On April 21st, the United Kingdom celebrates National Tea day

15th- 21st

May National Vegetarian Week

National Vegetarian Week 2022 was about choosing more vegetarian food to help tackle the climate crisis.

May 22nd-28th

May British Sandwich Week

Every year British Sandwich Week celebrates the humble sandwich.

2nd June 2023

National Fish & Chip Day

Neoda’s National Fish & Chip Day is about giving fish and chips the recognition it deserves and helping to secure its position as the nation’s favourite dish.

September 10th

Isle of Ely/Chippy Chat Open Day

Join us on the farm for a day of networking and discovering all things potato! Free tickets contact austen@chippychat.co.uk

December 10th

The Chippy Chat Ball

The Chippy Chat Ball is booked in, fingers crossed, pandemics allowing we will be back this year.

FISH AND CHIP TAKEAWAY OF THE YEAR

The East Yorkshire restaurant and takeaway Whiteheads, Hornsea, has been a top pick for several years and is now firmly on the national map after winning ‘2023 UK Fish and Chip Shop of the year’ at the NFFF National Fish and Chip Awards 2023 in London.

The national awards have been celebrating the nation’s favourite dish for more than 30 years. It recognises and rewards the people and businesses who provide us with the best fish and chips across the UK, both in terms of food and service.

The Whiteheads team shared their excitement on social media and thanked their customers in a heartfelt post. In a Facebook post, they said: “The Whiteheads Fish & Chips team are honoured, proud and so so delighted to say we are officially your 2023 UK FISH & CHIP SHOP OF THE YEAR!

“Simply, thank you.”

The shop is run by Geoff Whitehead and it is East Yorkshire’s first Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified fish and chip shop. He used to run it with his mum Hazel before she sadly passed away last year.

The takeaway is a stone’s throw from the Yorkshire Coast near Hull, East Yorkshire. Also, it is Hornsea’s only fish and chip shop serving a wide range of gluten-free choices to cater for people with allergies and food intolerances seven days a week.

When it was first nominated, the delighted owners of the east coast chippy described it as a “great honour”.

“We thank our suppliers who provide us with the very best ingredients to serve the finest quality fish and chips, but most of all the Whiteheads team who, time after time, prepare delicious freshlycooked fish and chips with a smile and a thank you of appreciation for each of our customers,” the owners added.

According to judges, Whiteheads were given the coveted title due to their consistency, excellent service, sustainability, charity work, and how Geoff runs his business as environmentally friendly as possible.

Andrew Crook, President at the NFFF, comments “It was a tricky job whittling down the top ten to the winners, but Whiteheads have demonstrated a clear reason as to why they are deserving of this accolade. All finalists should be extremely proud.”

Austen Dack Chippy Chat Editor said: “Geoff has worked really hard to win this prize. It was brilliant to see Geoff and his team on the top step and we wish them well from Chippy Chat. Geoff’s mum Hazel would be very proud indeed”

Whiteheads Fish and Chips in Hornsea is crowned the UK’s No1

Unbelievable Geoff!

Fish Kitchen 1854 scooped second place, with The Fish Works taking third

SPONSORED BY

Give customers confidence with Seafood from Norway

87% of diners agree sustainable fish is important to them, but only one quarter know what to look for when visiting their local fish & chip shop.

Serve cod and haddock from Norway to give your customers confidence that they are choosing delicious protein from a country that takes great pride in its fishing methods and rich heritage delivering superior quality and sustainability credentials.

Cold Clear Waters

World’s Largest Cod Stocks

Pioneering Stock Management

Origin Matters.

seafoodfromnorway.co.uk

PROUD SPONSORS OF

FISH AND CHIP RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR

City Slickers!

Fish City scoops best restaurant at the 2023 National Fish & Chip Awards

Fish City, from Belfast, has been crowned the UK’s best fish and chip restaurant at the 2023 National Fish & Chip Awards. They battled it out with four other finalist businesses to net the prestigious title.

In order to take home, the ‘Fish and Chip Restaurant of the Year Award’, they scored highly during mystery visits to its premises to gauge quality standards.

In second place was Malt and Anchor, Cirencester and third Henry’s of Hunstanton. Other finalists were Eric’s Fish and Chips, Thornham and The Cods Scallops, West Bridgford

Key award judging criteria included great customer service, superb fish and chips and maintaining a first-class dining experience. Judges also looked for excellence in menu development and innovation; responsible sourcing policies, staff training and marketing activity. Fish City consistently impressed the judges, excelling in every category.

Fish City took to social media to share their joy at their victories and thanked their team for the success. Breaking

out the champers to celebrate their win their amazing team and family who through their hard work and dedication have made these achievements possible! It means so much to represent Belfast and Northern Ireland amongst the best of the best across the UK. They send thanks to their suppliers, partners, families and communities for supporting them in their mission to help protect the oceans for future generations, and to provide quality seafood, exceptional service and warm hospitality to all guests.

Andrew Crook, President of the NFFF, commented: “This is an incredible achievement for Fish City, and we want to congratulate them on officially being the best fish and chip restaurant in the UK. With the popularity of fish and chip restaurants on the rise, the eating-in experience is now on par with the very best traditional fish and chip takeaway businesses and Fish City is a prime example of this.

This category recognises and rewards our country’s best fish and chip restaurants for providing a stellar customer dining experience and for the standards and high level of professionalism, evidenced by our winner this year. They are welldeserved winners, and we wish them the best of luck going forward.”

Austen Dack Chippy Chat Editor added: “John Lavery and the team excelled in this hard-fought category. Their dedication to quality, continuous improvement and the environment is commendable. Well done to them”

In second place was Malt and Anchor, Cirencester and third Henry’s of Hunstanton. Other finalists were Erics Fish and Chips, Thornham and The Cods Scallops, West Bridgford

SPONSORED BY

BEST MULTIPLE OPERATOR AWARD

Multiple Choice!

Harlees

Harlees fish and chips took home the Best Multiple Operator award at the National Fish and Chip awards in London recently.

Harlees is a family-owned business, run by Lynda and Richard Long and their daughter, Kaylee Herbert. They have takeaway and restaurant sites across Dorset & Wiltshire.

Kaylee said to win the award was “fantastic”. “It’s for my family, Lynda and Richard Long, they started Harlees 25 years ago, and Richard is the third generation in fish and chips, and I’m the fourth,” Kaylee said. “We’ve managed to get into the top three in the past but never quite made it to the top spot, so to finally get it this year in our 25th year, it’s just fantastic.”

She said the award was for their teams at each of their shops, as they had done the company proud through the pandemic and since. “I’m just so proud of our extended Harlees family, they’ve really done us proud,” Kaylee said. “I’m just so proud of them to keep that positive mind and that continued spirit, really.”

She said that they had no idea that they were going to win, but it was “just brilliant” when their name was read out. “We thought we were in with a good chance, but the competition was strong, the other two within the top three are good players” she said. “We had our fingers crossed but we couldn’t call it at all, it was just fantastic.”

Kaylee praised the rest of the nominees and winners at the awards and thanked the National Federation of Fish Friers for organising a fantastic awards ceremony.

“It’s such a positive day, it’s a positive day for fish and chips and the industry,” she said.

“A lot of the fish and chip shops and the suppliers are family run businesses. So, it’s just fantastic to be in a room full of these small independent businesses from across the UK that are championing the family business.”

Austen Dack Chippy Chat Publishing Editor said “This is a real family effort. The business has shown excellence in all areas and have embraced new technology to drive sales too. Congratulations on your victory.”

Take Best Chain Crown!

Other nominated multiple shops were The Chesterford Group and Bells Fish and Chips.

ENVIRONMENTAL & SUSTAINABILITY AWARD

Bel first City!

Fish City Win Environmental & Sustainability Category

The winner of the Environmental & Sustainability category at the National Fish and Chip Awards 2023 has been announced, by the National Federation of Fish Friers.

The Environmental & Sustainability category celebrates businesses that strive to achieve sustainable and environmentally friendly practices and is sponsored by the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Fish City came out on top for its caring approach to the oceans and our planet. Fish City are committed to sourcing seafood sustainably; all of their cod, haddock, and hake are Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)-certified. All other species of fish are responsibly sourced. They were the first business to join Ulster Wildlife’s Sustainable Fish Cities NI environmental campaign and

The other two finalists were: Harbour Lights, Falmouth & The Fish Works, Largs

extend this advocacy through a Kids Club and a range of educational initiatives. They ensure full food traceability, working with local food and drink producers wherever possible to offer guests a menu that is both flavoursome and healthy.

Owner John Lavery is proud of the fact that Fish City were the first business in Northern Ireland to pledge their support to buying and serving fish from sustainable sources, using sustainable catch methods in seas where species are healthy and thriving.

The top three, based across the UK in Belfast, Falmouth and Largs, had reached the final following extensive judging from an anonymous panel of industry experts.

Austen Dack Chippy Chat Editor said. “It is so good to see the commitment shown by Fish City. Not only do they show a deep caring for out planet, but they also educate others too.” We wish John and the team well in the year ahead as they celebrate not one but two awards.”

For further information on the National Fish and Chip Awards 2023, please visit: www.thefishandchipawards.com.

Pimply the Best!

Pimp My Fish in Cambridgeshire has been crowned the UK’s top mobile fish and chip business at the 2023 National Fish & Chip Awards. They battled it out against two other finalist businesses to net the prestigious title

In order to take home the ‘Best Mobile Fish and Chip Operator Award’, Pimp My Fish was judged against a wide range of criteria including sustainable sourcing policies, staff training processes, marketing activity and the quality of product served to its customers.

President of the NFFF, Andrew Crook, said: “Mobile fish and chip units have many different challenges to bricks and mortar businesses and to keep standards consistently high is testament to the professionalism of these finalists. Whether serving rural

The other two mobile fish and chip finalists 2023 were: JoJo’s fish and chips, Stafford

The Chippie Van, Penrith (left)

communities or making couples special day event more special these businesses have to be organised and at the top of their game every time.”

Austen Dack Chippy Chat Publishing Editor said: We were thrilled to hear Pimp my Fish won this award. We have used them for several events from fish and chip day, our potato race and also a wedding. The food they serve is fantastic, their menus are innovative plus they have good plans for further growth too. Congratulations to them and the other two finalists.

This award was sponsored by Kerry Foods.

Alan Pearce from Kerry Food Service said: “The standards of the mobile entrants this year was extremely strong in this fastgrowing category. Mobile fish and chip businesses ranged from regional event catering, private parties to local community services, some far exceeding expectations by now serving gluten free options and a range of sustainable species”.

Lighting Up Our Industry!

Best Newcomer 2023

Lighthouse Fisheries of Flamborough battled it out with two other shortlisted businesses from across the UK to net the prestigious newcomer title

Runners Up Were

Hendo’s Fish and Chips, Bury St Edmunds

Haughton Fish & Chips

In order to take home the ‘Best Newcomer Award’, Lighthouse were appraised across a variety of judging criteria including how owners and staff approach running a new fish and chip shop, promotional activities and approaches to the responsible sourcing of key ingredients. They also received judging assessments by industry expert judges, evaluating product quality and customer service levels.

Anant Mathur National Account Controller for award sponsor Sarson’s, the leading vinegar for

the fish and chip trade, said: “The future of our trade relies on top-quality, highlymotivated fish and chip businesses like Lighthouse Fisheries. There’s no denying the business has brought new ideas to the fish and chip trade and truly deserves the crown.”

“A rewarding aspect of our involvement as a sponsor of this award category is to see new, talented businesses that are passionately driven to produce great tasting fish and chips for their customers. We wish them the best of luck and hope they will enjoy many years of success in our trade.”

A spokesperson for Flamborough Fisheries posted to their Facebook: “We did it! To our staff, customers, suppliers and family, thank you all for helping us make this happen. We are brimming with pride to bring this award back to our little shop on the east coast of Yorkshire.”

Austen Dack Chippy Chat Publishing Editor said “It is so good to see even in these trying times that new good shops are coming through. They each bring something new to our industry, and hopefully new ideas to help us all propser.”

SPONSORED BY

The Real Thing!

The Real Food Café Tyndrum Takes It!

The ‘From Field to Frier’ award acknowledges fish and chip businesses that excel in potato knowledge including responsible sourcing and ability to produce the finest quality chips.

Runners Up

Pier Point Chippy Torquay

Fiddlers Elbow, Leintwardine

The Real Food Cafe was assessed against a wide variety of judging criteria, with a specific focus on their policies and procedures in the responsible sourcing of potatoes. They have also been assessed on their potato knowledge, including types, seasonality, storage and preparation of raw ingredients.

Industry judges undertook in-depth inspection via zoom visits to review the front and back-of-house practices and operations within the premises.

This award is sponsored by Isle of Ely Produce and Babylon Chipping Potatoes. Award sponsor Oliver Boutwood, Director at Isle of Ely Produce, commented: “Established for a number of years, this award category continues to capture the

attention and imagination of both farmers and friers alike, and has become a core part of our intrinsic values at Isle of Ely Produce. We hold an annual open day event at our Cambridgeshire premises, attended by potato growers, farmers and fish and chip business owners, where attendees gain invaluable insight to the potato supply process. Our autumn 2022 open day was attended by over 100 industry delegates and the event continues to go from strength to strength”.

“As a sponsor of this awards programme, I am heartened to observe so many forward-thinking fish and chip businesses placing rightful importance on the responsible sourcing of their potatoes. Shops are also relaying stories behind the potato supply process to their customers, with many owners able to inform diners the exact field the potatoes they are eating were grown in. Congratulations to The real Food Café and our other finalists too!”

Alex Moore award co-sponsor from Babylon potatoes said: “Babylon is a relatively new chipping variety which has gone down well with both farmers and chip shop owners alike. We were thrilled to take the variety to the awards in London to promote them to the 600 strong audience and look forward to working with our awards finalists this year.”

& DEVELOPMENT AWARD

SPONSORED BY

Chesterford Group Grab Training Accolade Train Strike!

Runners Up

Jackson’s Fish & Chips, Newton Abbott

Stones Fish & Chips, Acton

In order to take home the prize, The Chesterford Group was assessed against a wide variety of judging criteria, including internal training policies and procedures, training support and forward plans for staff development.

Judges took a full review of staff training and development practices. They were also evaluated on the quality of the fish and chips and the level of customer service provided.

Andrew Crook National Federation of Fish Friers President said: “This award recognises fish and chip businesses that go above and beyond in providing their employees with high quality training, while

demonstrating commitment to personal development and career progression. The Chesterford Group has demonstrated true commitment and investment in staff training and I have confidence that the staff at this establishment will be the future champions of the fish and chip trade.”

Award sponsor Philip Blakeman, Managing Director at James T. Blakeman & Co Ltd, commented:

“As a family business with 70 years’ experience, staff training has always been an important part of our success. The owners of fish frying establishments cannot overlook the importance of quality training for staff members. As a proud sponsor of The National Fish & Chip Awards, this category showcases businesses such as The Chesterford Group that are a credit to the industry. We would like to congratulate them in taking home the crown.”

Carry On Henry!

Henry Colbeck announced as Supplier of the Year at the National Fish and Chip Awards 2023

Henry Colbeck were announced as the winner of the brand new Supplier of the Year Award at this year’s National Fish & Chip Awards held recently in London. Founded in 1893, they are the oldest independent supplier to the fish & chip market in the UK and remain a family owned and family managed business. The company has been built on quality, service and reliability, with customer care as their driving influence. This year they celebrate 130 years of trading.

The top five, from across the industry, made it through to the final following nominations and then judging by an anonymous panel of industry experts.

This category celebrates suppliers throughout the UK that have given the fish & chip trade exceptional service and innovation and was sponsored by Just Eat The other finalists were:

KFE - Frying Ranges

World of Ceres – Batter Mixes, Sundries & Podcasts

SPONSORED BY

Isle of Ely Produce - Potatoes

Dennis Crooks - Fish Merchant

Andrew Crook President of the National Federation of Fish Friers said: “The suppliers to our trade are the backbone of the industry. The standard of entry for this one was very high and shows that they all go above and beyond to help our fish and chip shops flourish.”

Georgina Colbeck Henry Colbeck

Director said: “WHAT AN HONOUR! We’re over the moon that we’ve received the Supplier of the Year Award 2023 at the National Fish & Chip Awards! A huge and heartfelt gratitude to our Customers for voting for us – you’re the reason why we do what we do! And also to our Supply partners and ‘Team Colbeck’ who make it all happen. THANK YOU again from the Family and all our Colbeck Colleagues. And thank you NFFF for such a great day too.”

For further information on the National Fish and Chip Awards 2023,please visit: www.thefishandchipawards.com.

The other finalists

QUALITY ACCREDITATION CHAMPION

Giving it Largs!

The Fish Works, Largs Takes Quality Accreditation Champion Award

The National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF) has named The Fish Works, Largs, as its Quality Accreditation Champion as part the 2023 National Fish & Chip Awards.

It’s a fact that today, fish and chips are still Britain’s number one takeaway. The NFFF Fish & Chip Quality Accreditation Scheme is all about finding those shops throughout the UK that give their customers the BEST QUALITY fish and chips, assessing them against our quality benchmark and rewarding successful applicants who pass the assessment and the taste test, with the ‘BIG Q’ Quality Accreditation sign.

Launched in December 2020, replacing the previous NFFF Quality Award, The NFFF Fish & Chip Quality Accreditation is a scheme aimed at improving standards and rewarding

shops that provide top quality fish and chips in a clean, hygienic, and safe environment.

To reach this stage, The Fish Works were required to demonstrate that they met the NFFF’s quality benchmark which included assessment of the overall quality of premises, working practices, key ingredients, cooked products, hygiene standards and staff training. Most importantly, it looked at how businesses promoted the significance of this quality mark to customers.

Award sponsor Andrew Crook, President at The National Federation of Fish Friers, added: “Launched in 2020, this platform is offered to the industry to improve operating standards and showcase best practice to UK wide consumers. The NFFF Quality Award also now works in conjunction with the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Primary Authority as part of the appraisal and accreditation process for the award.

“The standard of entries received this year was very high and the judges were impressed by the dedication The Fish Works put into promoting this award.”

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

James, together we have opened more and more stores over the years and have evolved into the business it is today.

From the offset, we’ve always wanted to offer our customers the best quality product possible, however when I first started we only sold fish, chips and sausages…now our menu is so diverse from ribs, to panko prawns and everything in between!””

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT

Hugh’s Dunnit!

Outstanding achievement award for his work ethic and family values

By Austen Dack

This week we have had the pleasure of speaking to Hugh Lipscombe who recently won the prestigious “Outstanding Achievement” award at the National Fish & Chip Awards. Hugh is the Founder of The Chesterford Group who are one of the largest independentlyowned fish and chip shop chains in the country; with 38 locations and employing around 850 people.

So Hugh, please can you tell us a bit about your family history in the fish & chip business?

“In 1923, my Grandparents bought a fish and chip shop in Rush Green in Romford using the money that they saved from my Grandfather playing cricket for Accrington. My Dad then bought a fish and chip shop in Harold Hill in 1952 – which we’ve still got today! I always enjoyed the adrenaline rush when I worked in our busy Harold Hill shop – in those days there wasn’t the competition there is today! We used to use 160 bags of potatoes a week in purely a takeaway shop! I learned the fish and chip trade from my Father and Grandfather and then opened my very first fish and chip shop in Potter Street, Harlow in 1971 – which is still a hugely successful store today. Alongside my son

What would you say are the most valuable learnings or pieces of advice you’ve been given?

“In the early days I worked out there were three golden rules to running a fish and chip shop: Offering a great quality product at an affordable price, served in a pleasant and bright environment, by motivated, customer-orientated people. My father had a tremendous work ethic, which myself and my 4 children have also inherited – whom I’m incredibly proud of. My son James Lipscombe, our company CEO, has an exceptional work ethic. So having drive, ambition and always wanting to improve has always been at the heart of our business.”

What would you say is your greatest achievement?

“On a personal level having 4 children, 8 grandchildren and a wife that has put up with me for 54 years! And then on a business level, having guys work for us for 30 or 40 years. Paul our MD was brought up living on top of one our shops because his dad was my first Operations Manager. Paul has been with the company all his working life – he knows fish & chips inside out. As does Wayne Shaw, our Head of Operations who started working for us as a chip boy at 14 years old. One of my greatest prides is that these guys play an integral role in running our multi-millionpound business today!”

SPONSORED BY

Talk about the Passion!

Collins Seafoods brings you the best the oceans have to offer

At Collins Seafoods, we believe that everyone should enjoy the finest quality fish possible, and it’s a passion we have had since we first started importing and exporting Frozen at Sea products in 1980. Our philosophy remains the same today, and it’s our mission to bring our customers the best the ocean has to offer.

Our impressive fleet is made up of the finest modern vessels/brands including Kirkella, Pescafria, Icefresh, Blaengur, Geir, and Santa Princesa to name a few. They catch sustainable Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified fish, fully traceable back to the source, and as we are owned by a fishing company, our clients are buying directly from the fishermen themselves.

Our parent company, Seagold Limited, is owned by Samherji, which is one of the largest fishing companies in Europe. It operates a fleet of fishing vessels and factories and exports its own products under the “Icefresh Seafood” brand. Samherji operates with high levels of sustainability, which aligns with the ethos at Collins Seafoods.

We pride ourselves on giving a consistent and reliable service - in fact, in our year end 2022 customer survey, 97% of our clients gave us a 10/10 star rating which we were extremely pleased to hear.

Our Frozen at Sea fish products are caught, processed and frozen within a sixhour window of leaving the sea, meaning the taste, texture or quality is never compromised. In our survey, we asked our customers to rank the quality of our products and were delighted that 100%

of them said they are either “excellent” or “good”, with the top-rated brands being Icefresh, Kirkella, Pescafria, and Blaengur.

We asked one of our valued customers, Main Street Fisheries, for some feedback and here’s what the team said:

“Collins deliver twice a week which is good for stock control, and the fish they supply us with is excellent value for money. On the rare occasion there is a problem, it is dealt with efficiently. The staff are all very friendly and professional, and I trust the drivers 100%.”

We’re continuously striving to improve our service, and our survey has demonstrated the benefits felt by our clients. If you’d like to experience this firstclass service, as well as our wide range of MSC certified, high quality products, visit collinsseafoods.co.uk.

As well as improving our own service, we always love championing our clients and their achievements too - well done to our customers The Fish Bank and The Chippie Van Penrith who were shortlisted in the National Fish and Chip Awards 2023! Collins were proud to attend this event along with 600 others from the cream of our industry - congratulations to all finalists and award winners on the day.

CONTACT

COLLINS SEAFOODS NORTH EAST:

Unit 2, Park 2000, Heighington Lane Business Park, Newton Aycliffe, County Durham DL5 6AR

Tel: 01325 315544

Web: www.collinsseafoods.co.uk

Email: salesne@collinsseafoods.co.uk

COLLINS SEAFOODS YORKSHIRE:

Unit 2, Felnex Crescent, Cross Green Industrial Estate, Leeds, LS9 0SN

Tel: 0113 2498832

Email: salesyorkshire@collinsseafoods.co.uk

Oh Sole(&Cod) Mio!

Fishbar De Milan – Brera

The sea bistro bringing to Milan dishes from seaside resorts around the world.

Up to the ’30s you could find the small lake of San Marco while walking in the heart of Brera. An artificial basin used by the Milanese as a small trade port just like the Darsena. Therefore Fishbar de Milan, in Via Montebello 7, couldn’t choose a more fitting location for its first address in town, a sea bistro bringing to Milan recipes and flavours from seaside resorts around the globe.

Exposed bricks, round mirrors (recalling ship portholes), soft lights, cushions with geometric patterns, wooden tables, green and blue incursions, typical colours of a seaside resort.

A big passion for seafood. The cuisine,

in fact, interprets creatively and in a contemporary key seafood dish, in a combination of typical recipes of their local culinary tradition and flavours from international seaside locations.

Fishbar brings to Milan the sea with proposals designed to satisfy each and every palate. The raw fish lovers will be conquered by tartare, carpaccio, ceviche and oysters; the traditionalists will enjoy great seafood classics such as spaghetti with clams and baked seabass. The more adventurous will be glad to taste flavours coming from countries far-away such as the Thai soup or the Mexican fish tacos.

The fish burger also is a must for every respectable fish bar: four variants made with freshly baked bread. Next to this great classic of Fishbar de Milan, the

Maine Lobster Roll rigorously prepared with American lobster, the Tunaburger with wasabi mayo, avocado, mango sauce and mixed salad, the Salmonburger with guacamole, red onion jam, tomato, dill and horseradish mayonnaise and the amberjack fish burger with leek jam, bacon, confit tomato and tartar mayonnaise. Their excellent fish and chips a nod to English cuisine with an Italian twist.

A culinary tour among American cuisine specials, oriental flavours, ingredients coming from beyond the Alps and typical regional recipes. These are the stops of an imaginary cruise to discover the best seafood recipes around the world. There is also a Fishbar de Milan in the US too. Lead by Claudio Santo, who founded and sold Jefferies in Milford, and also owns and operates the Fishbar de Milan in Italy. In keeping with Northern Italy cuisine they have both a French Chef, Viven Coatanroch, as well as Guelilou Abdoul Quedaogo from Milan.

Claudio is from Milan, married with 4 boys, and has lived in Stratford for the last 14 years. Why Stratford for his restaurant? “I love it here.”

Is there a difference between Italian diners and American diners?

There is a lot of differences between Italian food and Italian American food.

Most of the Italian immigrants were from Naples and Sicily and they have tomato sauce and garlic as a primary food which is not what we eat in the rest of Italy

Chicken parmigiana, eggplant parmigiana, spaghetti with meatball, penne vodka, spaghetti Alfredo sauce, are not Italian food in Italy, and many other dishes, like lasagna for example are done in a very different way.

Italian food is very regional; every region has his own food but I have to say chicken in Italy is not a popular as much in USA.

Is your chef from Italy also?

Yes, we have a Italian chef straight from Italy.

What is your favourite dish?

My favourite dish is Risotto alla Milanese with sausage.

www.fishbar.it

FishFabulous Roe Fritters

MAKE A DIFFERENCE. CHOOSE GUARANTEED SUSTAINABLE FISH.

Please contact your local distributor/ supplier for further information.

HUBCAP!

Online takeaway site backs ban on single-use plastic

The CEO of online takeaway giant Foodhub has backed a new government policy that will see takeaways in England banned from using single-use plastics from October.

The move, designed to help tackle the ongoing plastic problem and wider climate issue, will see single-use plastic cutlery, plates and bowls banned.

Foodhub CEO Ardian Mula has endorsed the far-reaching policy and outlined how the new initiative will affect takeaways nationwide – asking the government to help support businesses

as they adapt to the new rules.

Mr Mula said: “We are aware of the impact plastic can have on the environment and support all moves that help move the country in the right direction in our collective campaign against the climate emergency.

“As a leading online takeaway platform, we fully endorse this policy change, which we hope will result in a significant reduction of plastic waste and littering nationwide - and we look forward to activating the initiative within our business.

“As part of the transition this year, we are appealing for takeaways to receive support implementing the policy, which will have a significant impact on the way thousands of food businesses in England operate.

“Many takeaways are already struggling to make ends meet amid the cost of living crisis, and we expect that this new policy will result in week on week costs increasing further, with packaging costs going up.

“Ultimately, this may result in business owners having to pass on higher costs of packaging to consumers, with menu item prices potentially going up.

“We’re looking forward to working with policy makers and businesses alike throughout 2023, in advance of the activation of this much-needed policy.”

For more information about Foodhub, visit: https://foodhub.co.uk/

Lomas Potatoes

FREE Chippy Industry

Isle of Ely Produce and Chippy Chat are once again opening their doors to chip shop owners and managers on Sunday September 10th 2023! It is one of the FREE industry events of the year. The event starts at 9.30 am at our farm in Ely, Cambridgeshire with a coffee and a chance to talk to industry colleagues. It is invaluable, not only do chip shop owners and staff find out first-hand how the potato crop is faring for 2023/24, but they also get an idea about predicted cost and quality of the crop for the year ahead.

Add to that lots of key suppliers will be sponsoring/ attending on the day. In 2022 they included Pukka Pies, Middleton Foods, Premier 1 Filtration, TQuality, Drywite, Friars Pride, Preoday (Qikserve), Agrico, McWhinney, Seafood from Norway, BD Signs, Meijer Potato UK, Panaepos, Smales, PJ Lee & Sons, HZPC, JFK, Farm Electronics, Blakemans, Frymax & more.

You will watch presentations

on our giant AV, with full staging, from award winning fish and chip shop owners, giving you valuable advice for your shop. Guest speakers for our 2022 event included NFFF President Andrew Crook, Sarah Heward from the Real Food Café, Kaylee Frost from Harlees Fish & Chips, Nick and David MIller from Millers, Josette Foster from Fish and Chips at Weston Grove plus more.

Please email austen@ chippychat.co.uk if you would like to be a sponsor and/or exhibit on the day.

We will also have Oliver Boutwood back with his Q&A sessions, plus the chance for you to try Babylon, a new chipping variety from Agrico, and lots of samples and freebies too. It’s the FREE industry event not to miss! The event is suitable for all levels of management and also young friers too. Maximum of 3 tickets per shop. FREE refreshments will also be served. Order your tickets at www.eventbrite.co.uk, and search for Isle of Ely Produce

Open Day - Come and join us!

In 2022 over 50 people stayed in Ely too for an evening meal and drinks. A chance for you all to sit and relax with industry peers. Please let us know if you intend to stay email austen@chippychat.co.uk, and we will add you to the list for the restaurant and send you hotel choices (if staying).

Producing Quality Cambridgeshire Potatoes

Enjoy the Day

Austen Dack - Chippy Chat Publishing Editor

Our Sponsors

Maris Piper - Markies - Divaa - Agria

Producing Quality Cambridgeshire Potatoes

Our strength is continuity of supply

Maris Piper- Markies – Agria – Challenger – Sagitta

Call your local wholesaler today

Our strength is continuity of supply

‘Potatoes grown with passion for the more discerning customer’

Contact Isle of Ely Produce, and ask for 00!