Fife chippy wins best in Scotland
The Anstruther Fish Bar will now compete in a UK competition
A Fife chippy has been crowned the best in Scotland in a national fish and chip shop of the year competition.
The Anstruther Fish Bar beat stiff competition from The Townhead cafe in Biggar to claim the regional title.
Owners Robert and Alison Smith will now compete against nine other fish and chip shops from across Britain to become the best in the UK.
The final stage of the competition, which is in its 19th year, will be judged in January.
To be judged the best in Scotland is a real honour and it is thanks to the hard work of all the staff and the support shown by our loyal customers
Robert Smith
The Anstruther Fish Bar
It is run by industry body Seafish.
All 10 regional winning shops will undergo another strict round of judging in front of a panel of industry experts in January.
The shops will be scored on their quality of product, customer service, cleanliness and innovation.
The UK champion will then be announced at an awards ceremony in London, hosted by celebrity chef Ainsley Harriott.
British icon
Mr Smith said: "To be judged the best in Scotland is a real honour and it is thanks to the hard work of all the staff and the support shown by our loyal customers.
"It would be an amazing achievement to be crowned the best in the UK but we're looking forward to the final in January whatever the result."
Andy Gray, project manager for the competition said the quality of fish and chip shops in the UK gets better every year and shops are now addressing the concerns of sustainability for customers.
He said: "Many fish and chip shops across the UK are encouraging people to try something different by offering varieties such as pollock, hake or plaice which are delicious alternatives and in plentiful supply."
