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A fish and chip shop in the heart of Britain's most important shellfish port has been voted the best in the country.
Called 'Fish and Chips at 149' in Bridlington on Yorkshire's East Coast it was crowned at the 23rd annual National Fish and Chip Awards in London yesterday. It is also the first establishment outside Scotland to win the trophy since 2006. Owners Matthew Silk and Tracy Poskitt, who are both experience friers, received the award from food critic Jay Rayner at the ceremony.
Tracy said: "To take home the highest accolade in the fish and chips industry is a dream come true." They opened the restaurant three years ago after carrying out a major overhaul of the premises.
Bridlington is now one of the leading fishing ports on the East Coast and is noted for its crabs and lobsters which are exported all over Europe. It is also a popular holiday resort.
She added: "We've been working for many years to reach these heights and owe this award to our dedicated team and loyal customers whose support has made this possible. Fish and chips have been a British institution for 150 years and we are ecstatic to be taking our place in the proud history of this national dish."
Shops from all over the country were judged on responsible seafood sourcing, customer service, food hygiene, staff training and community spirit by seafood authority and award organisers Seafish. Andy Gray, customer development manager for Seafish, said: " 'Fish and Chips at 149's' success is testament to the shop's unwavering quality and hard work."They have an amazing team, with a very strong focus on staff training and development, and are very deserving winners."
The second place award went to Peckish in Camelford, Cornwall and Seniors at Marsh Mill in Thornton, Lancashire, was voted third best. The competition was launched last year by the 2009 winner, Giovani Fionda, owner of Atlantic Fast Food in Coatbridge, Scotland.
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