The Atlantic Fast Food chippy in Coatbridge, Glasgow, UK, has won first place at this year’s National Fish & Chip Shop of the Year competition, organised by Seafish.
Owner Giovanni Fionda, and his mum and dad, Ida and Raphael Fionda, were presented with the coveted trophy, by fellow Italian and TV chef Aldo Zilli, at a ceremony at the Riverbank Park Plaza Hotel in London.
This is the first year Atlantic Fast Food has entered the competition but fish and chips is in the family blood with Giovanni’s parents running shops for many years.
Giovanni was crowned champion after a rigorous judging process which included a customer vote, taste tests, two intense rounds of shop inspections and a presentation to a panel of industry experts.
Shops are judged strictly not only on the quality of their fish and chips but on all areas of the business including responsible seafood sourcing, customer service, food hygiene, staff training and community spirit.
This is the third year running that a Scottish shop has scooped the title of best fish and chip shop in the UK.
Giovanni said:“To win this competition as a first time entrant is a dream come true. It’s the best thing to have happened to us in our professional life and has made all the hard work worth it. We’ve worked in the fish and chips business for many years and it’s always been great fun. Our team are extremely hard working and it’s thanks to them and our loyal customers that we are taking home this trophy.”
