SHAP Chippy has joined the fish frying elite from across the UK, by scooping the prestigious Fish and Chip Quality Award. The National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF) the trade body that represents the nation’s fish and chip shops, runs the award scheme as a way of raising standards within the fish and chip trade and enhancing the profile of the industry.

Shap Chippy was reopened in April after closing last September. Jo Hampson and Georgina Perkins bought the building in February and completely refurbished it.

Jo said: “We knew there was a lot to do – the building needed a new roof and new floors and major work to everything in between.

“Having lived in Shap for twelve years we remember it being a great fish and chip shop and restaurant – and that's what we want it to be again.

“A lot of people in the area obviously agree, we have had tremendous support from in and around Shap, which we appreciate.

“It has been a real community project – all the craftsmen who worked on the property were local and we now employ 14 local people.”

To qualify for the Quality Award, each shop has to go through an inspection by an NFFF approved assessor who assesses the shop’s presentation, hygiene and cleanliness, staff training, admin procedures, equipment, frying and sales skills and most importantly the quality of the cooked product.

Georgina said: “I think we have improved in all areas – we had a huge amount to learn. Working towards this award has meant that we have set our standards high from the start.

“We have only been open for six months and we may not get it exactly right all the time but getting the Quality Award shows we are on the right track, we have had some great feedback from customers.”