Nottingham’s The Cod’s Scallops has landed the hotly-contested title of Fish and Chip Shop of the Year at the National Fish & Chip Awards 2020, held in London, United Kingdom. Owned by husband and wife John and Helen Molnar, The Cod’s Scallops beat off competition from nine other short-listed finalists.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to be crowned the UK’s best fish and chip shop. It’s an honor to take home such a prestigious title, especially being up against the country’s top establishments,” John Molnar said. “Entering the awards has taught us so much about our business as well as the fish and chip industry and we would encourage other operators to get involved. We want to thank everyone who has supported us along the way, as well as our customers who we value beyond measure. Without them buying fish and chips every week, we wouldn’t be here. What a way to start 2020 and we can’t wait to see what the future brings.”
According to trade body Seafish, which organizes the 32-year-old national competition, some previous champions have doubled their turnover in the 12 months that have followed their award.
Entrants are judged on the fish and chips they cook and serve, as well as sustainability, menu innovation, catering for special dietary requirements, customer service, and marketing activity.
Seafish said that The Cod’s Scallops “consistently excelled” in all of these areas throughout an eight-month judging period, which included multiple mystery shop visits and a final presentation to a panel of industry experts.
“We’d like to offer huge congratulations to The Cod’s Scallops for taking home the crown of Fish and Chip Shop of the Year at the National Fish & Chip Awards 2020. As well as serving up outstanding fish and chips, they demonstrated real passion and enthusiasm for the industry every step of the way. Their final presentation was incredible and they are truly deserving winners,” Seafish Chief Executive Marcus Coleman said.
Among the other winners at the 2020 National Fish & Chip Awards were:
- Best Fish and Chip Restaurant Award: Trenchers Restaurant, Whitley Bay
- Best Foodservice Operator Award: Mary Lambert Artisan Bakery, Hartlepool
- Menu Development and Innovation Award: Fish City Belfast, Belfast
- Best Multiple Operator Award: Sutton & Sons, London
Photo courtesy of Seafish
