The search for the UK's finest fish and chip shop is moving a step nearer to its conclusion. The Sea Fish Industry Authority (Seafish), organisers of the 15th annual Fish and Chip Shop of the Year Competition last Friday announced the best three fish and chip shops in Wales.
Following public voting, mystery shopping and a further round of assessment by industry experts, Seafish has nominated the following as Wales' top three fish and chip shops:
• The Galleon, 34 Colwyn Avenue, Rhos on Sea, Colwyn Bay, Clwyd.
• Hennighan's Top Shop, 123 Maengwyn Street, Machynlleth, Powys.
• D. Fecci and Sons, Oxford House, Lower Frog Street, Tenby.
The three Welsh fish and chip shop owners will have to wait a further two weeks until Seafish announce the overall Welsh winner, who will then go through to the grand final in London on November 13, and battle it out with the seven other regional finalists from all over the UK.
During the next two weeks, Seafish inspectors, giving each a thorough examination of every aspect of the business, will visit the three short-listed shops. The inspectors' checklist will include stock handling, hygiene controls, the quality of the fish and chips and the oils that they are cooked in.
Competition organiser, Malcolm Large from Seafish, explained: "Each year the quality of the food and service that fish and chip shops provide is improving and the standard has become increasingly high throughout Wales. To reach the final three is a fantastic achievement and all owners should be proud of their efforts. But unfortunately only one shop can go through to the grand final."