Awards director issues stark warning for traditional chippies
Warren Paul, director of the England Fish and Chip Awards, has warned that traditional family-run fish and chip shops could cease to exist without adequate support. Speaking at the first English installment of the prestigious Scottish Fish and Chip Awards in Manchester this week, Paul highlighted the immense trading pressures facing local chippies across the country.
Midlands winners and highly commended businesses
The Best Fish and Chip Shop in the Midlands was awarded to Wollaton Fish Bar in Nottingham. Harleys Fish Bar in Great Barr, a local favourite on Queslett Road, was highly commended, narrowly missing out on the top Midlands prize. Other highly commended businesses include Extra Fish Bar in Warwickshire and Ocean Fish and Chips in Nottingham. The best fish fryer of the year for England was awarded to Pollard's Plaice in Hull.
Paul calls for public support to save traditional businesses
Commenting at the awards, Warren Paul said: "The English Fish and Chip Awards are about shining a spotlight on those who truly deserve recognition, as are all of our awards concepts. It's not about ego or glory - it's potentially a lifeline in these very challenging times for all businesses, with the hospitality sector under more pressure than most." He added: "It's vital to support local business in your area, or these traditional family spots simply will not exist in the future. It's a scary thought but it's the truth." Paul urged the public to visit the award-winning shops and to nominate their local favourites for next year's awards.
Impact on the hospitality sector
The warning comes as the hospitality sector faces rising costs, including energy prices, raw material costs, and staffing challenges. Fish and chip shops, a staple of British culture, are particularly vulnerable due to their reliance on fresh ingredients and skilled labor. The awards aim to provide recognition and a boost to businesses that might otherwise struggle to survive.
