Second Yearof the Scottish Fish & Chip Awards getting even bigger and better

It was my great pleasure to attend an evening in Glasgow on November 11th when Scotland’s finest fish and chip shops were celebrated in style at a glitzy awards event in Glasgow last night. Judges for the Fish and Chip Awards travelled the length and breadth of Scotland, from Dumfries to Shetland, making unannounced visits to sample the fish suppers of entrants. Each shop was evaluated on everything from the quality of their fish, to taste, freshness, value, authenticity, innovation, and more.

One of the night’s highlights was a head-to-head live fry-off among the best fish fryers, held just before the evening awards ceremony with the award-winning chef, Aldo Zilli as one of the judges. The ultimate winner was – Peter’s Fish and Chicken Bar in Dumfries.

The Fish and Chip Awards are organised by Paramount Creative.

Paramount’s CEO, Warren Paul, (seen above with Aldo Zilli) shared, “Each year we celebrate the very best in what has always been the classic takeaway – fish and chips. We bring together entrants from all over Scotland, showcasing those who strive for quality by using top ingredients and going the extra mile to provide the very best food to their customers.

“We evaluate fish and chip shops in tiny villages and bustling cities alike, sending judges to every single entrant, whether they’re just two minutes away from our office or hours away by ferry on a remote island. Our rigorous judging criteria ensure fairness and consistency, giving us full confidence that our winners truly are the best. A win or even a highly recommended nod from us is a seal of approval you can trust – our winners’ success speaks for itself year after year. Try their food for yourself, and let us know what you think!”

The Awards evening, held at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Glasgow, was superbly hosted by Des Clarke, a well-known Scottish TV and Radio personality and entertainment was provided by the highly talented Jane Henderson, Laura B and Mark Dawson with his swing session and as Elvis Presley. Lorenzo the magician amazed all with his tricks during the drink’s reception. The evening was interspersed with awards, entertainment, dancing and a delicious meal, once again, and everyone seemed to have a marvellous time with celebrations going on till 1pm in the morning.

I was very honoured to be asked to present the award for the “Best Team” to Murray and Glen Morrison, and Keira of the Garioch Fish Bar, and I would like to thank Scott McWhinney of Northern Ireland Sausage fame, for the kind and generous invitation to join him, Lyndsey and his team on their table.

It is clearly evident that these awards are gaining real traction with Scottish operators and can only serve to drive the sector forward up there. Well done to all who entered the various categories and those that were Highly Commended in each section.

THE WINNERS

Peoples’ Choice - Anstruther Fish Bar

Best Fish Tea - Hayston Golf Club

Best Team - Garioch Fish Bar

Best Family Business -  Buon Appetito

Best Dine in Restaurant - Berties

Best Menu - Quayside Restaurant & Fish Bar

Best Mobile Fish & Chips - The Angry Seagull Fish & Chips

Best Pizza - Quintilani’s Larkhall

Best Newcomer - The Principal Cafe

Best Fish Fryer - Peter’s Fish and Chicken Bar

Best Customer Service - Valerios Fish & Chips

Best Chip Shop (South) - Alfonso’s

Best Fish Supper (Ayrshire) - Barassie Chippy

Best Chip Shop (Ayrshire) – The Principal Cafe

Best Fish Supper (North-East) - Carron Fish Bar

Best Chip Shop (North-West) - The Seaforth

Best Fish Supper (West) - Tony’s Shawhead

Best Chip Shop (North) - Frankie’s Fish and Chips

Best Fish Supper (Central) -  Vincenzo’s Fish and Chips

Best Chip Shop (East) - East Coast Eateries

Best Fish Supper (North-West) - Deli-Ca-Sea Fish & Chip Shop

Best Chip Shop (North-East) - McKays Fish & Chip Shop

Best Fish Supper (North) - Highland Haddy

Best Chip Shop (West) The Kraken Chippy East Kilbride

Best Fish Supper (East) The Wee Chippy

Best Chip Shop (Central) -  Vincenzo’s Fish and Chips

The awards are now open for 2025, so get ahead and get your customers involved so that you could be one of the recognised shops at next year’s awards.

A big thanks also to Pukka who provided delicious hot pies at the end of the evening!