Chippies in battle to hook prestige award

The chippy owner's answer to the Oscars, the South West of England heats of the fish and chip shop of the year competition were launched this week by celebrity chef James Martin.

One of those hoping to hook the prize is Steve Webb, 37, who runs the Buckles Fish and Chip shops in Sheldon Road and Timber Street, Chippenham, a business started by his father Doug Webb, more than 30 years ago.

"We entered the competition three years ago and got a highly commended, but we'd love to win it this year," said Mr Webb.

"We've established a great rapport with our customers, many of whom come back every week and we even have a 96-year-old man who comes to us from Lyneham every week for one of our special pensioners' lunches.

"I think we're very popular because we have very light batter and everything is cooked to order, so nothing gets soggy."

One of the chippies intent on proving Mr Webb wrong, however, is Noff Fugito, 43, owner of Noff's Superfry in Bridge Street, Swindon.

"I have been running chip shops for 20 years and would love to win that award," said Mr Fugito.

"Our customers love our fish and chips and we have a secret ingredient that keeps them coming back."

Mr Fugito is also not scared to experiment in the fryer and has battered Mars Bars and even a steak and kidney pie. "Someone asked me to batter a pie and fry it and it tasted quite nice actually," he said.

"But you can't beat fish and chips I have it myself three times a week."

Sixty-one shops will battle against each other to win the coveted regional title. The winner will then go on to be shortlisted for the overall UK award, to be announced in January.

Kwei Shiv, 40, only took over at Langley's in Phelps Parade, Calne, eight months ago, but said she is confident her loyal customers will be voting in droves for her fish and chips.

"We moved here from up north and love it," she said.

"The people are friendly and treat me so well and they seem to love the traditional way we cook our fish and chips.

"Cod is our most popular fish, but we also serve pizzas and burgers it would be lovely to win the title."

While at Kingsdown Fish and Burgers in Ermin Street, Swindon, manager Alvaro Gouveia, 28, has a novel way of getting votes a year's free fish and chips for his most loyal customer.

"I have put the poster up about the competition and am hoping that many customers vote for me," he said.

"From now I am also looking to find which is my best customer and if I win, I will give that person free fish and chips for a year."

Customers now have two weeks to vote for their favourite chippy by filling out nomination forms available in participating shops.

The top 15 shops in 19 regions of the UK who receive the most customer nominations will be visited over a seven week period by mystery judges, who will score them on the quality of their raw products, customer service, working practices, hygiene standards and overall presentation of the shops.

Alan Clark, 49, manager of the Trawlerman at the West Swindon Centre, is no stranger to these 'mystery tasters'. "We've been through to the second round of the competition every time we've entered and it would be really nice to get through to the next round this time," he said.

"The trouble is, you never know when the judges will show up or who they are you've just got to offer the best service you can at all times, just in case it's them."

Mr Clark added: "We have great regular customers here some of whom come back twice or three times a week.

"We also try special types of fish once in a while, like tuna, which people love to try. We're hoping this year could be the big one for us."

Andy Gray, Seafish project manager for the awards, said: "This competition is well established and has captured the heart of the nation.

"It's a fantastic way of recognising the hard work of the fish and chip industry so we are urging everybody to help us find the best chippy in the UK."