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Chipper batters opposition for third year in a row!


By Alan Beresford

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A FOCHABERS chippie has been unveiled as one of the top 50 fish and chip shops in the UK for the third year in a row.

Fochabers Fish bar owners Carol and Stuart Whyte are celebrating a hat-trick of award wins. Picture: Becky Saunderson
Fochabers Fish bar owners Carol and Stuart Whyte are celebrating a hat-trick of award wins. Picture: Becky Saunderson

Taking one of the coveted slots in Fry Magazine's 50 Best Takeaways and 10 Best Mobile Units Awards 2021 is Fochabers Fish Bar, run by Stuart and Carol Whyte.

Along with other nominees, the chipper was scrutinised by unannounced mystery customers on over 40 aspects of their business, from the quality of the food and customer service to their social media presence and their Covid safe practices. Food very much remained the main focus, with all outlets assessed on the flakiness of the fish, the crispness of the chips and the crunch of the batter, alongside value for money.

There was a high bar set to gain pass marks – 97 per cent for takeaways and 92 per cent for mobiles, the highest in the awards’ history.

News of the award was hailed by Mr Whyte, who praised the contribution made by his 10 staff to the hat-trick of victories.

He said: "It's a great thing for the business, we've won it every year since we took over the business three years ago.

"It's a huge boost for the staff. A big part of winning is down to how the mystery customer is treated.

"They look at everything from the state of the building to the quality of the service and the quality of the food. It's good to see all the staff's hard work getting recognition. Everybody plays a part."

As with most other businesses in Moray, it has been a tough year for Fochabers Fish Bar.

"Before lockdown we had a small restaurant at the fish bar as well as a the takeaway, but obviously that had to close," Mr Whyte continued.

"We were very lucky with layout of the takeaway side as it allowed for social distancing and had a door at the back so we could easily operate a one way system for customers.

"We're also lucky to have a very loyal customer base here, we've had great support from local people."

The Whytes bring with them 20 years of experience in the trade. Prior to taking over the reins at the Fochabers Fish Bar, they owned a business abroad for many years.

Commenting on this year’s awards, Reece Head, competition organiser, said: “Without doubt, the last 12 months have been tough for fish and chip operators and many will not have dealt with this level of crisis management before.

“Allowed to operate during the pandemic, there was a lot they had to implement in a very short space of time to operate in a Covid safe manner. Many takeaways had to flip their businesses to click and collect and delivery, serve at the door, introduce card payments and work in much smaller teams.

"Likewise, mobile units introduced pre-orders and added new routes and additional vans to keep the nation fed.

“During a time of uncertainty, these operators have helped maintain a sense of normality. They’ve been at the heart of their communities, with a smile on their faces and hot food in their hands. And the fact that we’ve had our highest pass mark ever is testament to their hard work and dedication, and we would like to congratulate each and every one.”

Fry Magazine expressed their thanks to this year’s competition sponsors Goldensheaf, Frymax, Friars Pride, VA Whitley, Henry Colbecks, Middleton Foods, KFE, Brakes, Pro Fry, BD Signs, NFFF, Nortech Foods, Sarson’s and Acumen.

The Fry Awards 2022 will be open for entry in May when the 10 Best Restaurants category will return too.

Keep up to date with Fochabers Fish Bar news and offers at their Facebook page.


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