Whitby chip shop batters opposition

Quayside in Whitby, North Yorkshire, took two awards in last night’s National Fish & Chip Awards ceremony at London’s Lancaster London hotel.

The shop, run by the Fusco family and represented by brothers Stuart and Adrian Fusco, was named Independent Takeaway Fish and Chip Shop of the Year and also took the Marketing Innovation Award in recognition of its Fusco Fish Fight promotion to spread the word about ‘proper’ fish and chips, a new interactive website, work with schools and charity events.

Stuart Fusco, director and head chef at Quayside said: “I cannot tell you how immensely proud we are to have won and be named as the best Independent Takeaway Fish and Chip Shop in the UK.

“We are a family business that has worked really hard to get to this point and we couldn’t have done that without the amazing team we have around us.

“A great deal of time goes into running our business, from working with our local suppliers to ensure all of our raw ingredients are traceable, sustainable and natural, developing our staff and ensuring we have a great product to sell to our loyal customers.

“From my humble beginnings as the Young Fish Frier of the Year in 2004 to now winning the flagship award as part of the 2014 National Fish & Chip Awards, we are so pleased that all of our efforts have been rewarded.”

In second place was Frankie’s Fish and Chips in Brae, Shetland, with Papa’s Barn in Ditton, Kent, in third.

Paul Williams, chief executive of organisers Seafish, said: “Quayside stood out for their commitment and determination throughout the entire judging process and we’d like to congratulate them in taking the top accolade.”

Quayside, on Pier Road, Whitby, beat off competition from more than 50 chippies. The family chain was set up by Stuart and Adrian Fusco’s grandma Violet more than five decades ago. Quayside opened in 1999.

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