The Bay at Stonehaven named as best fish and chip shop in UK

The Bay fish and chip shop in Stonehaven, Aberdeen has been named as the best independent in the UK, with a first place award at the 25th annual National Fish and Chip Awards.

The Bay, which opened in 2006, is owned by husband and wife team Calum and Lindsay Richardson who have a combined 32 years of experience in the industry and have both won the 'young fish frier of the year' award. The shop prides itself upon its links with the local community and fundraises for the Fisherman's Mission and Help for Heroes, as well as sponsoring the Stonehaven Beer and Ale Festival.

Calum Richardson said: 'Over the last few years, we have put so much effort into our business and take pride in what we produce and the service we give our customers.This is without doubt one of our biggest achievements to date and is a great opportunity for the business to grow.

'It is not without the hard work from all the staff, not to mention the support and loyalty shown by our customers and suppliers, which has helped us win this award.To say we are delighted is an understatement and we can't wait to take both awards back to take pride of place in our shop.'

Paul William, chief executive of Seafish, who organise the National Fish & Chip Awards, told BBC Scotland: 'The competition gets fiercer each year and this year was definitely no exception, with the battle for top shop getting more difficult for the judges to determine.

'The exceptionally high standards of entrants across all the award categories demonstrates their continual commitment to the industry and the effort towards sustainability and protecting the industry so future generations can enjoy Britain's favourite dish.'

(Image shows owner Calum Richardson with shop manager Stuart Adams and awards host Rory Bremner.)

Visit The Bay at Stonehaven website.

Other Scottish winners at the National Fish & Chip awards

• Frankie's Fish & Chips, Brae, Shetland - Winner, staff training & development award and from field to frier award
• Ashvale Fish Restaurant, Aberdeen - Runner up, contribution to the local community award, winner, marketing innovation award
• The Bay, Stonehaven, Aberdeen - Winner, good catch award
• Real Food Cafe, Tyndrum, Perthshire - Winner, best independent foodservice outlet serving fish and chips

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