Cromars of St Andrews named Scotland’s top fish and chip shop

A St Andrews restaurant has been named Scotland’s top fish and chip shop for the second time.

Cromars, on the town’s Union Street, won the Scotland region top spot in Seafish’s National Fish and Chip Shop Awards.

It is also in the running for the top UK award along with nine other regional winners, having made the list previously in 2016.

Wendy Frame from Cromars told our sister title The Courier: “We are absolutely delighted today with our Scottish win, just two years from when we won this for the very first time.

“It’s great to be through to the grand final. Our team have worked so hard and it’s a huge boost for everyone. We would love to secure a top three finish come January.”

To reach the shortlist of ten, the shops had their frying skills put to the test and were assessed by judges on a number of criteria. These included menu development and innovation, sustainable sourcing, staff training, and marketing.

Each business was also subject to an unannounced visit, audit and appraisal.

The final winner will be announced at a ceremony in London in January.

Facing a specialist judging panel, they’ll be quizzed on a range of industry related topics and be required to demonstrate how they successfully run a profitable business and plan for future development.

Marcus Coleman, Chief Executive at Seafish, said: “Entrants are judged on every element of running a successful fish and chip business; from the product itself to how they are responding to wider industry issues like responsible and sustainable sourcing of key ingredients.

Fish and Chip Day: The best places in Scotland to treat yourself today

“By the time the awards ceremony comes around, our finalists have gone through a comprehensive seven-month judging process.

“Having watched our 10 finalists progress through the competition, I can safely say that their skill and dedication is outstanding – they are a true representation of the crème de la crème of our industry and sum up perfectly why British fish and chips are, and will always be, the best in the world.

“I look forward to welcoming them all to the final awards ceremony and crowning 2018’s best fish and chip takeaway in the UK.”