Peeblesshire News | News | Chip, chip, hooray for Townhead Cafe

Friday, 5th December, 2008

Published: Tuesday, 29th January, 2008 15:30

Chip, chip, hooray for Townhead Cafe

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Proud owner Gordon Hillan liftd the winner's trophy flanked by MP David Mundell (left) and other jubilant Townhead Cafe staff.

BIGGAR’S chippy has battered the competition to be crowned the best in Britain.

The Townhead Café took on nine regional winners from across the UK at the glitzy bash in London this week.

And celebrity chef Ainsley Harriott announced the title was coming to Scotland.

Townhouse owners Gordon and Sandra Hillan collected the award from the Ready, Steady, Cook presenter during a gala lunch.

Mr Hillan, who has been working in fish and chip shops for almost 30 years, told the Peeblesshire News: “This is a true honour to be crowned the UK’s top chippy.

“I have been working towards this goal for many years and I’m delighted to be taking it back to Scotland.

“Running the shop is hard work but this victory proves it’s worth all the effort.

“I’d like to say a huge thanks to my team for their hard work and passion, which is the real secret behind us winning this award.”

Hundreds of fish and chip shops enter the prestigious competition every year.

And the runners-up slot for 2008 went to Andy’s Fish Bar in Derbyshire.

Amongst the Biggar chippy’s supporters at the Royal Garden Hotel was local MP David Mundell.

And the plaice-and-chips loving politician was so pleased he even lodged an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons to congratulate the owners.

Mr Mundell told us: “I was very pleased to join them for the awards announcement – their win is great for the area and great for Scotland. It is really good to see local businesses doing well.’’

As well as initial regional judging and a mystery shopper visit, the finalists had to deliver a presentation to a panel of industry experts.

And for the first time in the competition’s history, entrants were required to demonstrate commitment to building a sustainable future.

Super chef Ainsley Harriott commented: “It’s great to see the sustainable practices the shops are adopting and their commitment to introducing customers to some of the delicious alternative species our hard-working fishermen have to offer.”

The competition, which is in its 20th year, is run by industry body Seafish.

Andy Gray, project manager of the competition, added: “Every year we see the competition standards getting higher and the decision gets tougher.

“The Townhead Café is an excellent example of a high quality fish and chip shop serving the best possible

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