A popular and sustainable fish and chip shop in Brockley has made the final list of 20 in the running to be named as the UK’s best takeaway of the year.
Following stiff competition, Brockley's Rock fish and chip shop is one of 20 businesses across the UK to have been named in the running to be named Takeaway of the Year at the National Fish & Chip Awards.
The local fish and chip shop of 13 years since beginning in 2011 was one of 40 chippies to be selected, highlighting its dedication to food, customer service and sustainable practices.
Sponsored by BDSigns, Florigo, Friars Pride, Henry Colbeck, McWhinney’s Sausages, Seafood from Iceland, Smales and V A Whitley, this category is one of the “toughest” in the competition, with a further round of reviews before the final 10 in the running are named.
Brockley's Rock has gained a reputation over the years for the staff’s approach towards sustainability, partnering with MSC-certified seafood providers to ensure that each order supports responsible fishing practices, contributing to the health of global fish stocks.
Owner Kyriacos Karoulla explained: “We've been an MSC chip shop for over 10 years now.
“Overfishing is real, but we use stocks that are certified, like those from the Barents Sea, which are traceable and sustainable from sea to plate.”
Kyriacos added: “We started from scratch, and I’ve learned from some incredible people over the years.
“The shop is my interpretation of fish and chips.
“I wanted to have the food in a biodegradable box, so as you're eating, it will be intact and not all just mush to avoid sweating from that plastic bag”.
Organised by the National Federation of Fish Friers, the National Fish & Chip Awards marks its 37th year this year.
The top 20 will be further narrowed down to a final shortlist of 10, before the winner is revealed on February 26.
Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), explains the reasons for the gruelling process: “The National Fish & Chip Awards inspects entrants’ businesses to such an intricate level as there is a duty of care to ensure industry standards and practices are upheld to the highest degree.
“The ultimate goal is to produce fish and chips that customers want to eat time and time again but doing so sustainably for the environment and business longevity.
“Our 20 shortlisted chippies are showing their mettle, and we hope they are feeling proud to have made it this far and we are thrilled to be part of their growth experience."
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