'I grew up above a fish and chip shop - then I helped crown England’s best chippy'
I ate nine portions of fish in one day to find England’s best chippy
I grew up above the fish and chip shop which my parents ran in South Yorkshire, and now I review some of the UK’s best chippy’s for my channel Danny Vs Food.
So it was an honour to be asked to judge the inaugural English Fish & Chip Awards alongside TV chef Aldo Zilli and The Chippy Tour.
I got to travel to meet some of the finalists at their fish and chip shops with many in Yorkshire including Filey, Whitby and Scarborough.
Then on the actual day of the awards themselves we also judged the Fish Fryer of the Year.
It meant trying nine different pieces of battered fish in the searing heat and was fantastic to see so many talented fryers still passionate about their trade.
The winner of this head to head was Pollard’s Plaice from Hull.
They source all their fresh fish from Grimsby Fish Market battered in beef dripping using their secret ingredients to make up their famous seasoning.
They blew me away and their knowledge of locally sourced ingredients is second to none.
On the night, I was chuffed to see that The Codfather, in Wakefield, had been voted the best in Yorkshire and the Humber.
Yorkshire is also home to the best coastal fish and chips in England thanks to The Fisherman’s Wife being worthy winners on the night.
I had the best seafood pie, salad and new potatoes there on Whitby Goth Weekend.
Ranmoor Friery, in Sheffield, won best menu and deservedly so as you can have traditional fish and chips with battered Oreo’s for dessert or you can have Poke bowls, and they do a range of vegan options.
I grew up with a family who loved a chippy tea and now having my own family with all of us liking different things it’s great to see places diversify.
Other winners on the night included Jim’s in Hull for the Best Fish & Chip Shop in Yorkshire and the Humber, Frydays Chippy in North Yorkshire for the Best Marketing and Digital Initiative and The Fat Fryer as the Best Newcomer.
Cave Street Fisheries in Hull won City Centre Chip Shop of the Year and The Golden Haddock in East Yorkshire won Best Family Run Business.