A Pudsey-based fish and chip shop has today been named as one of top ten takeaways in the UK, as part of the prestigious National Fish and Chip Awards 2023.
The Bearded Sailor, in Robin Lane, is joined by Yorkshire chippies Whiteheads Fish and Chips in Hornsea, The Fish Bank in Sherburn in Elmet and Auckley Friery in Doncaster, in being shortlisted in the top ten, following a rigorous judging process.
The top ten takeaways from across the UK will now be judged further by an anonymous panel of industry experts to finalise the top five, then top three.
Hosted by The National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), the The National Fish and Chip Awards 2023 ceremony will take place on the 28 February 2023 at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge.
Posting on social media, Bearded Sailor owner Alex Papaioannaou said: “Absolutely amazing news. We have been judged to be in the top 10 UK fish and chip shops. This is the main National Fish and Chip award, back for the first time since the pandemic. I feel truly humbled by this. We are in company with some incredible Fish and Chip shops around the UK.
“Congratulations to all the other shops, I look forward to meeting you all at some point and talking fish and chips.”
Andrew Crook, President at the NFFF, said: “It was a tricky job whittling down the top twenty to the top ten, but the chosen takeaways have demonstrated a clear reason as to why they are deserving of this accolade. All finalists should be extremely proud and our judges are looking forward to getting stuck into the next set of judging!”
The Takeaway of the Year category is sponsored by Pukka Pies, McWhinneys, Smales, VA Whitley, Friars Pride, Henry Colbecks and B D Signs.