Papas is the plaice to be

Papas Fish and Chips is competing against four others in the midlands for the title of regional Independent Takeaway of the Year at the 25th National Fish and Chip Awards.

“We are all very proud to be working for such a successful company with such high standards,” said manager Sarah Goodall.

Now all five will be put to the test in a round of secret mystery judging by the panel over the next few months. The judges will secretly rate the shops on everything from food quality to customer service.

But despite the pressure of a secret visit from the judges looming, Sarah and her staff aren’t worried.

“You never know who they are going to be and when they will turn up, but it doesn’t matter anyway,” continued Sarah.

“We always give all our customers excellent food and excellent service and I’m confident with the service that we always provide.”

It has been a tough year for the High Hoe Road restaurant and takeaway, as it was badly damaged by a fire in January.

But since re-opening their loyal customers - and some new ones - have been back in numbers and the business is as busy as ever..

“All of our regular customers have been back along with plenty of new ones and we have been really busy,” said Sarah.

“It is a pleasure to be open again. Some of our customers had been travelling to our place in Gainsborough while we were closed.”

The annual National Fish and Chip Awards, organised by the seafood authority Seafish, recognises the quality, value and choice offered by fish and chip shops across the UK.

In October, Seafish will announce one winner from the shortlisted top five shops in the midlands. The winning regional shop will then compete for the overall UK title, announced in January next year.

The staff at the chip shop are celebrating a double success as they have also scooped a quality award.

Papa’s has joined the fish frying elite from across the UK, by scooping the prestigious Fish and Chip Quality Award.

The National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), which represents the nation’s fish and chip shops, runs the scheme to raise standards.

The scheme rewards and promotes shops that provide good quality products and high standards of hygiene, as well as friers who show a high level of competence.

To qualify, each shop has to go through an inspection by an NFFF Approved Assessor who assesses the shop’s presentation, hygiene and cleanliness, staff training, equipment, frying and sales skills and most importantly the quality of the cooked product.

Papa’s owner, Sortiris Papacaoulla, said: “We would like to say how honoured we are to receive the award, and how glad we are that the hard work of our team has been recognised with this prestigious accolade”.

This award sets the new benchmark for quality within the industry and signals to consumers that they can buy with confidence where the award is displayed.

Each Fish and Chip Quality Award is valid for two years and retention is dependent on standards being maintained.

For more information about Papas Fish and Chips visit www.papasfishandchips.com