A Nottinghamshire chippy with a difference has made it on to a list of the UK's best fish and chip takeaways - and it's a shop where many customers don't order fish. The National Fish and Chip Awards 2023 has announced a 40-strong shortlist of finalists in readiness for next year's awards ceremony.
Sea & Earth in Mansfield Road, Woodthorpe, is the local contender in the midst of chippies from Skegness, Whitley Bay, Hunstanton and Birmingham, who are in with the chance of winning the ultimate glory. The honour went to the Cod's Scallops in Notts in 2020.
A relative newcomer, it was August 2021 that Sea & Earth opened its doors serving a varied menu of cod, scampi, sausages, fishcakes and chicken nuggets. But it's also vegan-friendly, offering deep-fried banana blossom as an alternative to fish, meat-free sausages and nuggets and vishcakes.
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Loaded Korean vegan chilli chicken with spring onion, chilli, fried kale and a splash of gochujang sauce, vegan steak and onion pie, smoked bean baked balls and mushy pea fritters also go down well with customers.
The business is run by Nik Constantinou, whose father Andrew, who founded the chain of George's Tradition chip shops. With something for everyone, Sea & Earth has had rave reviews from meat-eaters, veggies and vegans alike .
Nutritionist Susan Hart said: "It's so good to be able to walk in to a chippy and order vegan options, alongside the regular dishes, knowing that they have complete separation of processes The vegan food is prepped cooked and served in separate areas. And then it tastes absolutely amazing."
The national awards have been celebrating one of the country's favourite takeaways for 30 years. Judges visited shops, restaurants and food trucks to draw up the shortlist. They checked out customer service, environmental and sustainably good practices, and knowledge about the industry - all at a time when business owners face unprecedented price hikes in every aspect of the business, from mushy peas, to fish and packaging, to energy bills.
Andrew Crook, the president of award organiser, the National Federation of Fish Friers, said: "“Being able to announce the top 40 finalists for this category is an absolute pleasure. It is no secret that the industry are facing some challenges.
"That said, this industry is built upon British stoicism. And with spirit and determination we are committed to supporting our members and seeing through tough times. We cannot wait to celebrate at the awards ceremony in February 2023.”
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