A WINCHESTER chippy is one of 10 restaurants across the UK that’s in with a chance of becoming Restaurant of the Year at the National Fish and Chip Awards.
Shoal, by Winchester Guildhall, made the shortlist following a panel of judges’ intense review of its environmental standards, sustainability best practice methods, customer service and knowledge of the fish and chip industry.
Lenny Carr-Roberts, owner of The Bugle in Twyford and The Fox in Crawley, opened the independent business two and half years ago when he spotted a gap for affordable family lunches in Winchester High Street.
The restaurant now employs around 35 staff members who pride themselves on serving traditional fish and chips.
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After making the top 20 last year, Mr Carr-Roberts was thrilled to find out his restaurant had made the shortlist.
Mr Carr-Roberts, 50, said: “This is a natural progression for us. We are chuffed. We have a really good team that is very passionate about what we do.
“I hope that the visit goes well, the team is really ready. We’re having daily team briefings. We have no idea when this mystery diner might come along, which is exciting.
“We put a lot into being a traditional restaurant. We make our own pastry and pies, which are baked to order. We use milk from Hiltonbury Jerseys, just 2.5 miles away, and pasteurise it here for our gelato. We churn our gelato every day and make our bread from the excess milk so there is no waste.
“We work on making each element perfect. Even our mushy peas are a real science. There are specific steps that enable us to have a very light batter with no grease.
“It’s been a really good journey since we opened. I had the idea for Shoal during lockdown.
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“Me, my wife and our two young sons struggled to find anywhere to have lunch for less than £80 or even £100 so I thought how can we do something better that’s family-friendly and of great value.”
The mystery visits will see the shortlist narrowed down to five competitors before the winner is announced at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge on February 28.
Andrew Crook, awards organiser and president of the National Federation of Fish Friers, said: “While the challenges facing the fish and chip industry have been prominent in the headlines, the judges at the National Fish and Chip Awards are seeing how hard businesses are working to ensure the experience of coming into their restaurants remains second to none.
“We’re proud of how they are going above and beyond to continue serving this British classic and it’s an honour to be able to champion the entrants."
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