Pudsey’s The Bearded Sailor is competing against 59 other fish and chip shops to be named the best in the UK for 2020, writes Keely Bannister.
The takeaway is only one of two fish and chip shops in Leeds to make it to the final 60 having being joined in the list by the Merrion Centre-based Hook and Line.
Announcing the news in a Facebook post, the takeaway said:
“Absolutely over the moon and slightly in shock to say that our little Pudsey shop has made the top 60 for the whole of the UK Fish and Chip shops!!!
“There are approximately 10,000 fish and chip shops in the UK.
“This is such an achievement for us, I told the team that I would dye my hair and beard a colour of their choosing if we managed to make the top 60 this year. Watch this space to see what colours they decide.”
To be named best fish and chip shop, there are many rounds of vigorous judging which each establishment has to pass such as mystery shopper visits, full business audits and presentations to industry experts.
To make it this far, the Robin Lane takeaway has had to stand out in many areas, including:
- Excellence in the sustainable sourcing of key ingredients
- Staff training and development policies and opportunities for young people
- Creation of innovative menu options for those with allergies and dietary requirements
Further judging will now take place to whittle the top 60 down to a final 20 before the ultimate winner is decided.
The awards are organised by Seafish, the public body which supports the £10bn UK seafood industry.
This nomination proves once again that West Leeds is the plaice to be!
