Gordon and Sandra with Ainsley

Top Chippies Celebrate

13th February 2008, 10:44am

Gordon and Sandra Hillan of the Townhead Café, in Biggar in the Scottish Borders, winners of the UK's national Fish & Chip Shop of the Year 2008, are looking forward to busy trading this summer.

Gordon, who learnt the business from his dad, a merchant navy cook, said: "I have been in the industry fsince the 1970s and working towards the goal of winning and bringing this title back to Scotland for many years. This proves all the hard work is worth it and a huge thanks goes to my team for their passion, the real secret behind our victory."

He and Sandra embrace the issue of sustainable sourcing, prominently displaying the source of the seafood they serve. For the first time in the contest's 20-year history, entrants were judged on their commitment to building a sustainable future for the industry.

The Hillans battered off stiff competition from nine UK finalists and underwent judging, a mystery shopper visit and presentations to a panel of industry experts. Andy's Fish Bar in Swadlincote, Derbyshire came second with Seniors in Thornton Cleveleys in third place.
 
Special awards for Staff Training and Development went to the Anstruther Fish Bar in Fife; Contribution to the Local Community to Hennighan's Top Shop in Machynlleth and Young Fish Frier of the Year to Ian Allsop of Our Plaice in West Hagley.
 
Bill Colbeck of chairman of Henry Colbeck, the UK's biggest supplier to the fish and chips industry gained a Service to Industry Award.
 
Celebrity TV chef Ainsley Harriott, who presented the awards, said: "Running a top quality fish and chip shop involves a tremendous amount of hard work and I now realise the passion involved. It's great to see the sustainable practices the shops are adopting."

 

Related Articles:

• 11 Nov 2009 - UK's top 10 fish & chip shops announced
• 29 Oct 2009 - Aldo Zilli to host National Fish & Chip Shop of the Year contest

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