Seniors in Thornton, Lancashire, has been named the best British fish and chip shop after battering its rivals in the National Fish and Chip Awards 2012 today.
The shop, run by brothers Alastair and Dominic Horabin, was announced as Independent Takeaway Fish & Chip Shop of the Year 2012 by celebrity chef Richard Corrigan at a glittering awards ceremony in London's Riverbank Park Plaza Hotel.
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.
The final 10 places were hard earned after an unannounced visit from industry judges. Shops were assessed on a wide variety of criteria including, product quality, customer service, food preparation procedures, hygiene, innovation, staff training and development, promotional activity and approaches to sustainable sourcing.
The 10 finalists who fought hard for the top place were
Seniors, Thornton - winner
Hanbury's, Babbacombe - second place
Quayside, Whitby - third place
The Bay, Stonehaven
The Crispy Cod, Tonyrefail
Pit-Stop, Kilkeel
The Big Fish, Stratford-upon-Avon
Linfords, Market Deeping
Seafare, Guildford
Wigmore Fish & Chips, Luton
Awards presenter and chef-proprieter of Bentley's, Richard Corrigan said 'Fish and Chips is an iconic meal, part of British culture. Its integrity is preserved by many of the nominees today as it is in Bentley's where it's served every day. 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.'