The Bearded Sailor in Pudsey has again gained its place among the UK’s top fish and chip shops by achieving a prestigious national accreditation.
The National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), the trade body that represents the nation’s fish and chip shops, runs the Quality Accreditation scheme as a way of raising standards within and enhancing the profile of the fish and chip industry.
The scheme is a way of rewarding and promoting shops that provide good quality products and high standards of hygiene, as well as friers who show a high level of competence.
To qualify, each shop must go through a virtual inspection by an assessor who examines the shop’s presentation, hygiene and cleanliness, staff training, equipment, frying and sales skills and most importantly the quality of the cooked product.
The Bearded Sailor’s owner, Alex Papaioannou, said: “We are delighted to gain our place in the scheme once again.
“To be recognized as one of the top fish and chip shops by the NFFF is indeed an honour and a credit to our hardworking staff, who I would like to offer my sincere thanks for the continued hard work and efforts to maintain our excellent reputation.
“I would personally like to thank all our customers, new and old. The support and encouragement they have offered has been great. It has motivated us to maintain our high standards which have been recognised with this accreditation.”
This accreditation scheme, sponsored by Sarson’s Vinegar, sets the new benchmark for quality within the industry.
NFFF President Andrew Crook explained: “The Quality Accreditation scheme is extremely comprehensive. Food safety is a key area that we examine together with other key aspects of the business including the preparation and cooking equipment, to the management of paperwork and the traceability of fish.
“The Bearded Sailor clearly takes pride in where it sources its fish and potatoes from. Achieving the NFFF Quality Accreditation provides reassurance to customers that they are being served cooked food using high-quality ingredients.”
Tracey Brown, Sarson’s Sales, and Marketing Director explained: “Congratulations to The Bearded Sailor for joining an elite selection of fish and chip shops who have proven their commitment to maintaining the highest levels of quality.”
Each Fish and Chip Quality Accreditation is valid for a year and retention is dependent on standards being maintained as validated by NFFF officials and appointed assessors.