The top chippy was unveiled last night as Atlantic Fast Food which is based in Coatbridge. It was awarded the accolade in an annual competition organised by the fishing industry body Seafish - and was chosen from hundreds of rivals around the country.

Owner Giovanni Fionda, and his mum and dad, Ida and Raphael Fionda - a Scottish family of Italian heritage -  were presented with the coveted trophy, by fellow Italian and TV chef Aldo Zilli, at a ceremony at the Riverbank Park Plaza Hotel in London  last night.

Giovanni was crowned champion after a rigorous judging process which included a customer vote, taste tests, two intense rounds of shop inspections and a presentation to a panel of industry experts.

Shops are judged strictly not only on the quality of their fish and chips but on all areas of the business including responsible seafood sourcing, customer service, food hygiene, staff training and community spirit.

Giovanni said: “To win this competition as a first time entrant is a dream come true. It’s the best thing to have happened to us in our professional life and has made all the hard work worth it. We’ve worked in the fish and chips business for many years and it’s always been great fun."

Finnegan’s Fish Bar in Porthcawl, South Wales, was named the second best shop in the country with Midlands regional winner, The Great British Eatery in Birmingham coming in third place.

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