Love fish and chip shops?
Local Chippies Best ‘Plaice’ to Find Love
National survey reveals that working in a chippy increases your chances of finding love
Temperatures are rising at Fish & Chip shops across the UK as a national survey reveals that around half (46%) of this year’s finalists in the 23rd annual National Fish and Chip Awards have found love over the counter.
The 30-strong list* of UK contenders battling for the main prize – ‘Best Independent Fish & Chip Takeaway Award’ - were asked if working in a chippy sent heartbeats racing.
Just under half of the respondents stated that staff members have been hooked by fellow friers, with some following on to tie the knot ‘for batter or for worse’. In many cases employees have been hit by cupid more than once proving that the nation’s favourite dish leaves staff wanting more.
Andy Gray, Customer Development Manager for Seafish commented: “As part of the survey we asked owners a range of questions and were very surprised by some of the responses. Clearly the results show that working in a Fish and Chip shop is the ideal way to land a partner if you’re fishing for love.”
The survey also polled shops to get an insight into the tastes of the nation. Mushy peas came out on top as the shops’ best-selling accompaniment, closely followed by curry sauce and Tartare sauce in third place. Cod was confirmed as the most popular fish sold by this year’s shortlisted finalists, with haddock and plaice completing the top three.
In the 150th year of traditional fish and chips in the UK, the National Fish & Chip Awards serves as a showcase for excellence within the industry, which is constantly evolving to meet consumer demands. The awards focus not only on taste, which is of course paramount, but also recognise sustainability issues, species choice, staff development and training practices, promotional excellence, involvement in local communities, quality standards and innovation.
All fish and chip shops on the shortlist will shortly receive an in-depth judging visit from an industry expert from Seafish, the authority on seafood, and details of the Top 10 UK shops will be announced in early October, with a grand final taking place in London on 20 January 2011.
13 Sep 2010