Fish ‘n’ Fritz have been named one of the UK’s 50 Best Fish & Chip Takeaways 2021 – the only chippy in the Weymouth area to make the prestigious list. The accolade follows an extensive search by leading trade publication Fry Magazine to find those chippies serving up the finest fish suppers amidst a tough and challenging Covid year.
To make the 50 Best, Fish ‘n’ Fritz had to impress a mystery diner who visited unannounced and marked the chippy on over 40 aspects of their business, from the quality of the food and customer service to their social media presence and their Covid safe practices.
With the pass mark set high at 97%, Fish ‘n’ Fritz scored an impressive 98%, with the mystery diner particularly praising the fish quality and the taste and crispness of Fish ‘n’ Fritz secret recipe batter. Those comments were just some of the positive attributes, alongside customer service highlights that the mystery diner noted.
Paul Hay, owner of Fish ‘ n’ Fritz, on receiving the news, told KeeP 106:
“We must once again thank Fry Magazine for the opportunity to allow Fish ‘n’ Fritz and many, many other fish and chip shops around the country to take part in such a prestigious annual award such as this. After being mystery shopped unannounced prior to Christmas 2020, we now find ourselves within the top 50 Takeaways in the UK. Over 40 aspects of our business were marked, from the quality of the food, customer service to our social media presence and, more importantly, our COVID safe practices. Overall our team scored 98% out of 100. I am immensely proud of my staff for all their hard work during these testing times and our understanding customers, who have remained loyal to us over these last 12 month’s. We will continue to serve as we have always done, seven days a week.”
Reece Head, competition organiser, comments: “Without doubt, the last 12 months have been tough for fish and chip takeaways and many will not have dealt with this level of crisis management before.
“Allowed to stay open during the pandemic, there was a lot they had to implement in a very short space of time to operate in a COVID safe manner. Many had to flip their businesses to ‘Click & Collect’ and delivery, serve at the door, introduce card payments and work in much smaller teams, but they did and they kept the nation fed, including our elderly and vulnerable, those shielding and our key workers.
“This year’s judging criteria took into account these changes and we’re delighted to acknowledge that, despite the difficulties and added pressure, Fish ‘n’ Fritz never let standards drop. During this pandemic, they have been at the heart of their community, with a smile on their faces and hot food in their hands. We’re proud to have them in our 50 Best Fish & Chip Takeaways for 2021.”
Fry Magazine’s 50 Best Fish & Chip Takeaways is in its ninth year and sponsors include Goldensheaf, Frymax, Friars Pride, VA Whitley, Henry Colbecks, Middleton Foods, KFE, Brakes, Pro Fry, BD Signs, NFFF, Nortech Foods, Sarson’s and Acumen.
Simone Leanne, manager at Fish ‘n’ Fritz, also said: “We were amazed to find out Fish ‘n’ Fritz had made the Top 50 fish and chip takeaways. Our team has worked incredibly hard over the last year to ensure everyone’s safety and provide a high standard of service. It’s been a real pleasure to stay open for the last 12 months during the pandemic. Our regulars and visitors have given us fantastic feedback. Thank you to Fry Magazine for the opportunity of being entered for this award. It really does mean a lot to be recognised for the hard work we put in.”
