Three fish and chip businesses have been identified as finalists in the Best Multiple Operator of the Year category at the National Fish and Chip Awards 2024.

After an intensive judging process, which saw entrants grilled about their industry knowledge, environmental and sustainability practices, employer standards and more, fish and chip experts have had time to ‘mullet’ over. The three multiple operators that have excelled are Bells Fish and Chips in the North-East, Haven, Cook’s Fish and Chips, located in Lancashire, South Wales and Kent and The Chesterford Group, with outlets across the South-East.

Things are to reach boiling point, with mystery visits at each establishment to take place at an undisclosed time to the final three. There’ll be no time for floundering for any of the businesses, as the one which scores the highest will be deemed the winner, with the announcement to be made live at the awards ceremony on 28 February 2024 at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in London.

Andrew Crook, the president of the National Federation of Fish Friers which organises the awards comments: “Our three finalists for Best Multiple Operator deserve recognition for their incredible hard work in a year that has been relentless. Being able to keep plates spinning in numerous locations requires the highest levels of determination, teamwork, vision and of course amazing food, and that’s what these businesses have shown.”

The category is sponsored by Pacific West Foods, a frontrunner for quality and innovation in frozen seafood sector and one of the leading suppliers of raw and value-added seafood.

Its Managing Director Martin Finegan adds: “What an achievement for the finalists to be identified as the UK’s best. Fish and chip businesses show a type of resilience and dedication to serving customers with quality seafood that never fails to impress. This means being able to move fast with the times and Pacific West Foods is looking forward to assisting many more fish and chip businesses in this way.”

For more information and bits on the National Fish and Chip Awards, please visit: www.thefishandchipawards.com.