Andrerws Fish Bar in Welshpool has been shortlisted as one of the top seven fish and chip shops in Wales by the 2017 National Fish & Chip Awards, organised by Seafish.
The recommended takeaways as declared by the ‘Oscars’ of the fish frying industry are: Andrews Fish Bar in Welshpool, Powys; Hennighan's Top Shop in Machynlleth, Powys; Simply Fish & Chips in Denbigh, Denbighshire;Simply Fish & Chips in Rhyl, Denbighshire; Hikary's Fish Bar in Neath, Port Talbot; Hooked @ 31 in Fishguard, Pembrokeshire and Penaluna's Famous Fish & Chips in Aberdare, Rhondda Cynon Taf. 
Shortlisted as part of the awards and within a wider UK shortlist, Andrews Fish Bar will now compete for the ultimate accolade - Independent Takeaway Fish and Chip Shop of the Year Award – and aim to claim the title of ‘best fish and chip shop’ in the UK.
Hailing from every part of the country, the UK contenders have had to fry at the top of their game as they faced rigorous judging to secure a top spot.
To reach this stage they have been appraised by industry experts across a variety of judging criteria, including menu development and innovation, sustainable sourcing policies, customer service and staff training processes, marketing and promotional flair, and how they attract new customers to fish and chips.
Over the coming weeks, shops will be subjected to further judging as they receive mystery shopping assessments. This next stage of the competition will whittle down the line up, establishing a UK top 20 that will subsequently compete to be crowned with a prestigious ‘regional’ title. Following a further judging stage, the overall national winner will be announced in January after a seven-month long judging process.
Marcus Coleman, Chief Executive at Seafish, said: “The Independent Takeaway Fish and Chip Shop of the Year Award is one of the highest honours a fish and chip business can receive. Many of our past winners and finalists have gone on to reap substantial benefits, including increased shop footfall and turnover and media fame through overseas industry study trips; some have even launched their own branded products.
“Receiving this award is the pinnacle of many friers’ careers, but only one can take home the title. I wish all contenders the best of luck as they move onto the next stage of judging and look forward to seeing who comes out on top.”
Culminating in an awards ceremony at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge hotel on 26 January 2017, The National Fish & Chip Awards are recognised as one of the most prominent and respected seafood industry events in the UK. Theycelebrate the Great British tradition of fish and chips, showcasing the best talent, quality and choice offered by fish and chip businesses through 13 different award categories.