Four much-loved Lanarkshire takeaways tasted success as they were crowned champions at the second annual Scottish fish and chip awards.
Tony’s chip shop in Coatbridge won the title of best fish supper for the west of Scotland and the Kraken Chippy in East Kilbride took the title of best chip shop in the region.
Quintiliani’s in Larkhall won the overall title of best pizza, and Valerio’s in Lanark was honoured for best customer service.
All four received their trophies at a glittering ceremony in Glasgow this week, where winners were announced after judges toured Scotland making surprise visits to test out each entrant – with fish suppers being rated for quality, taste, freshness, value, authenticity and innovation.
It was a second successive win for Tony’s, based on Berwick Street in Shawhead, as they won the west region fish supper category, with owner Hugh Innes saying: “Thank you to all our team and customers, we are so grateful – we had a fantastic night and [there was] amazing respect as everyone knew of Tony’s chippy!”
The Coatbridge takeaway has earned a string of prizes in recent years including honours at the Scottish takeaway and Scottish Italian awards as well as being listed in the UK’s top 50 chippies, and Hugh joked on Facebook: “We are back with another amazing award – I’ll need a new shelf now!”
Larkhall takeaway Qunitiliani’s, established in the town five decades ago and based on Percy Street, took the accolade for best pizza in Scotland at the industry awards; and are now promising customers “a few pizza giveaways in due course”.
Moreno D’Ambrosio of the family-run business posted on their Facebook page: “To be recognised at this level is unbelievable; could not be more proud of the effort we put into this, as well as the support from you all – without the team around me I couldn’t do it.
“I dedicate this to our team as well as the people of Larkhall and beyond; we will keep doing what we are doing and carry on what my grandparents built for us in Larkhall. Appreciate you all.”
Kraken Chippy of Stuart Street in East Kilbride won the best chip shop title for the west region, and celebrated the “amazing achievement” by offering customers a huge range of its tasty suppers for just £5 for the following day.
They posted on Facebook: “We’re absolutely thrilled that we’ve won at the Scottish fish and chip awards; [it was] a great night out and a massive thank you to everyone who voted for us – we couldn’t have done it without your incredible support.”
Valerio’s, of Bannatyne Street in Lanark, said they were “so proud” to have taken the customer service title, saying: “Our staff work so hard each day to make sure our customers have the best experience, and all that hard work has paid off; thank you to all our customers for voting for us and to our wonderful staff for being the best.”
Warren Paul, chief executive of awards organisers Paramount Creative, said: “Each year we celebrate the very best in what has always been the classic takeaway – we evaluate fish and chip shops in tiny villages and bustling cities, sending judges to every single entrant.
“Our winners truly are the best and a win is a seal of approval you can trust – our winners’ success speaks for itself year after year.
“We bring together entrants from all over Scotland, showcasing those who strive for quality by using top ingredients and going the extra mile to provide the very best food to their customers.”
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