Torquay chippy short-listed for UK takeaway of year award

Torquay's Pier Point Fish and Chips has been named as a finalist in the takeaway of the year category of the National Fish and Chip Awards - putting it in with a chance of taking the 2023 trophy.

The 20 finalists were selected following an extensive judging process of the top 40 fish and chip takeaways, which were announced last month.

Pier Point Fish and Chips is the only finalist from Devon and this comes hot on the heels of Pier Point obtaining the Q Award for Quality Fish and Chips and also winning gold both in the Taste of the West Awards and Food Drink Devon.

Owner Lorraine Arnold said: “It’s fantastic news. The team and I have worked so hard to set a very high standard at Pier Point and to think the takeaway did not even exist two years ago is a massive achievement.

“I am so proud of all of them, it's not bad for a little hole in the wall!”

Pier Point were also winners in Torbay Weekly's Naturally Inspiring Business Awards 2022, which saw them take the crown for the Resilience Award for the work they did through Covid, keeping the business going and retaining the team and supporting various charities.

Lorraine added: “It's been quite a couple of years - we bought the business three weeks before the first lockdown, and so couldn’t even open until the July. We then closed for six months during the second lockdown for a complete refurbishment which included the fish and chips takeaway window.

“In the past two years we have battled our own fire, a pandemic, power outages, a yacht fire which closed us down and now a national financial crisis.

“The awards are a great morale booster for the team but it also helps to show Torbay as a quality destination for visitors, with so many excellent restaurants here.

“Pier Point may have been here for many years but for us, this was our first full year at the helm and with a brand new style, so to receive recognition like this is amazing.”

The winner will be announced at an awards ceremony, hosted by the the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), on February 28 at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London.

The National Fish and Chip Awards is the largest UK-wide event dedicated to raising standards across the industry while supporting fish and chip related businesses.

For more than 30 years, the awards have celebrated the nation's favourite dish, while championing the eclectic eateries that hold up this loved British tradition.

Lorraine added: “As Devon’s only finalist, we will have our fingers crossed for Pier Point Fish and Chips!”