Stourbridge chippy set to fry for glory in prestigious awards

And it's a double celebration for Oldswinford Fish & Chips, based in Stourbridge, who are celebrating their 40th anniversary this year too.

The shop was re-branded in 2012 when brothers Zach and John Ioannou took over running the family venture.

Now the chippy will go up against The Golden Carp, in Redditch, in the race to become the Midlands’ best chip shop in the Fish and Chip Shop of the Year Award.

Organised by Seafish, the awards are known as the ‘Oscars’ of the fish and chip industry.

Zach explained: "Well to be voted best in our Area and in the top 20 UK shops is fantastic achievement considering we won the entire Midlands last year.

"We are consistently producing great food and that's what it's all about.

"Our long ownership of the shop has created a great relationship between us and our customers. Over the years we have developed a strong focus on great customer service so I think that's what makes us different.

Over the coming weeks, the top 20 shops will be subjected to further assessment with judges making unannounced visits to undertake full business audits and additional appraisal of the fish and chips on offer.

Zach continued: "I feel what makes us different to our competition is that we also offer a high quality delivery service with our own iPhone/Android app - giving people the option to have a home delivery service.

"Our main strength is that we stick to using fresh cod and haddock which is delivered daily from Grimsby and that we run the business ourselves - we don't employ a manager, so as owners we oversee everything within the business ensuring top quality food and service."

This next judging stage will determine a top 10 list of shops who will progress to the final stage of the competition to be held in London in January 2018.