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”