AN award-winning Hampshire fish-and-chip shop has received a national accolade to add to its collection.

Best Fry in West End has been recognised with the National Federation of Fish Friers’ (NFFF) quality award.

Owner John-Henry Lee, who has been involved in the industry for the past 24 years, had his store’s equipment, working practices and management controls all tested.

John said: “We are delighted to achieve this prestigious award. To be recognized as one of the top fish and chip shops by the NFFF is indeed an honour and a credit to our hardworking staff who I would like to offer my sincere thanks for their continued hard work and efforts to maintain our excellent reputation.”

The NFFF is the trade body that represents the nation’s fish and chip shops, and it runs the scheme as a way of raising standards within the trade.

The award is the second time the store has been recognised by the federation, winning the award five years ago. Owner John Lee and his father Shane are used to the recognition, with sister shop The Codfather securing its place in the UK’s top 50 according to Fry Magazine last month.

John Lee added: “The award doesn’t just represent the fish and chips we produce, but also the hard work and high quality produce our local suppliers provide us with to work.”

To qualify for the award, each shop has to go through an inspection by an approved assessor who looks at the shop’s presentation, hygiene and training, as well as the quality of the cooked product.

The award is valid for two years with retention depending on standards being maintained as validated by NFFF officials.

NFFF President Gregg Howard said: “Best Fry clearly takes pride in where it sources its fish and potatoes from. Achieveing the fish and chip quality award provides reassurance to customers that they are being served cooked food using high-quality ingredients.”