A family-run fish and chip shop in Bridgend has just won the Best Takeaway in Wales Award. Launched just 18 months ago, it has become a firm pillar of the community.
O’My Cod which sits on Nolton Street has been recognised for its work giving back to the people at the coveted Just Eat Restaurant Awards, hosted by TV presenter and comedian Joel Dommett. The Bridgend chippy was recognised especially because of how its owners, Kelly and Christopher Western, have given back to the community supporting those in need.
They regularly provide warming and hearty meals to local homeless people in the area, and fundraise for local charities - Hope Rescue for abandoned dogs and the Tŷ Hafan children’s hospice. Christopher told WalesOnline: "We try to generate money to generate to different charities where we can.
"It was incredible to go to the awards, and apparently there were around 100,000 applicants altogether. We also had a conversation with Joel Dommett while we were there about how we gave it its name, as that's something that always comes up and told him how we were inspired by the phrase 'What's Occurin'?"
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Gok Wan, Fred Sirieix and Tasha Ghouri were among the celebrity guests celebrating the nation’s favourite restaurants and takeaways. Bridgend's popular chippy was recognised alongside locally-loved takeaways and restaurant brands from across the UK, at a star-studded ceremony at The Londoner Hotel in London’s West End. And one of the things which stood out to Just Eat was the takeaway's "unparalleled resilience".
"Oh my god, it's O'My Cod", exclaimed Joel Dommett, as he revealed who the winner was at the awards. The owners of the takeaway threw their hands in the air, and were beaming with pride as they went up to collect their award. Welcoming them on stage a pre-recorded voice was also played while they walked up to the stage, giving them a positive introduction, saying: "O'My Cod Bridgend owners Kelly and Christopher Western have three generations of the family supporting them in launching this brand new venture.
"With over 47,000 views on TikTok, the restaurant has already won the Blue Ribbon in Good Food award for Fish and Chips. With a focus on family and lunchtime meal deals, they use local, fresh produce and have an extensive gluten free and vegetarian menu."
Speaking about their win on camera after the awards, Christopher said: "It means everything to us. It's nice to get a bit of recognition for a fish and chip shop in Wales. We were the only one in the category and the team is a family affair.
"It's a team affair and it means everything to us to be honest. Hopefully the customers will realise how much we put into it, the staff as well and they carry on liking our food." Kelly added: "We're like a big family there, we are."
The event was something Christopher and Kelly have been looking forward to for a while. Upon hearing the news on September 20, they posted a picture of their invitation, and wrote alongside it on O'My Cod's Facebook page: "So this came in the post this morning, thank you for everyone who voted for us, hopefully we can be the overall winner on finals night."
Andrew Kenny, chief commercial officer at Just Eat, said: “The Just Eat Restaurant Awards rightly shine a spotlight on the incredible people who not only deliver unforgettable food, but go above and beyond to make an invaluable contribution to our local community and the UK economy. Despite facing sky-high inflation, soaring food and energy bills and continued staff shortages from Brexit and Covid, these restaurants have demonstrated unparalleled resilience, entrepreneurial spirit and grit. Congratulations to all this year's winners and finalists."
And it is clear that the community approves of the food. One person said on a TripAdvisor review: "Lovely food, great service from the members of staff. I would 100% use O'My cod again. Was offered all the help I needed on Just Eat in order to get myself a delivery."
The Just Eat Restaurant Award winners are selected by a judging panel following a rigorous process comprising a public vote, written submission, and mystery shopping. Regional winners each receive a £1,000 cash prize and a special Just Eat Restaurant Award trophy. Meanwhile, the overall ‘Best Takeaway in Britain’ winner will receive a further £5,000. To get the latest What's On stories straight to your inbox, subscribe to our dedicated newsletter here.
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