Bells Fish and Chips, who have three outlets in Durham, as well as one in Washington, Seaham and Team Valley, are in line for becoming a finalist in the 2024 Best Multiple Operator category.
After an intensive judging process, which saw entrants grilled about their industry knowledge, environmental and sustainability practices, employer standards and more, the chippy will now come up against two other outlets for a chance of triumph.
Bells Fish and Chips has multiple outlets across the North East (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)
Alongside Bells, Haven, Cook’s Fish and Chips, located in Lancashire, South Wales and Kent and The Chesterford Group, with outlets across the South-East, have been nominated.
Things are to reach boiling point, with mystery visits at each establishment to take place at an undisclosed time to the final three.
The one which scores the highest will be deemed the winner, with the announcement to be made live at the awards ceremony on February 28, 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.”
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The category is sponsored by Pacific West Foods.
Its Managing Director Martin Finegan added: “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.”
