The Bay Runner-Up in National Fish and Chip Awards

Stonehaven's renowned The Bay was named a runner-up in the National Fish and Chip Awards 2012, presented in London yesterday (Tuesday).

Aberdeenshire's well-known chippy, which had previously been named the best fish and chip shop in Scotland in the competition, lost out to overall winner Seniors of Thornton, Lancashire, hailed Independent Takeaway Fish & Chip Shop of the Year by celebrity chef Richard Corrigan at a glittering awards ceremony in the Riverbank Park Plaza Hotel.

Ten of the UK's best fish and chip shops fought hard for the top place, with expert judges deliberating well into the night on Monday.

Hanburys in Babbacombe, Devon, earned second place, while Quayside in Whitby came third.

The final 10 places were hard earned after an unannounced visit from industry judges. Shops were assessed on a wide variety of judging criteria, including product quality, customer service, food preparation procedures, hygiene, innovation, staff training and development, promotional activity and approaches to sustainable sourcing.

Organised by Seafish, the authority on seafood, the Independent Takeaway Fish and Chip Shop of the Year Award recognises the wealth of quality, value and choice offered by the nation's much-loved independent fish and chip shops.

The title has, in the past, resulted in a sales increase of up to 100% for the winning shop.

Awards presenter and chef-proprieter, Richard Corrigan, said: "Fish and Chips is an iconic meal, part of British culture.

"Combining heritage with innovation, skill with approach, attention to detail with great produce, Seniors well deserve their title of the UK's best fish and chip takeaway. A brilliant execution."

Nikki Hawkins, foodservice and events manager at Seafish, said: "This competition has undoubtedly been our fiercest yet and we congratulate Seniors for their stellar effort in achieving the number one spot.

"The awards have recognised the best of the UK's fish and chip shops for the past 24 years with 2012's high standard of entries testament to the industry's commitment to self-betterment and sustainability."

With over 250 million fish and chip meals sold each year from over 10,500 shops across the UK, fish and chips remains the nation's favourite takeaway.

Devotees can tuck into their fish and chips knowing that they contain 36% less calories than a chicken korma and pilau rice, and 42% less fat than a doner kebab with pitta and salad.

Recent studies also showed that fish and chips had the lowest salt content of all the takeaways tested.

More information:

National Fish and Chip Awards.

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