For the best fish supper in the northern half of Scotland, St Andrews has it all wrapped up.
Cromars’ crispy batter, succulent fish and smiling staff have made it the regional winner in the 2016 national fish and chip awards.
The Fife chippy will fry for the Scottish title and a chance to take the UK crown against southern winner Moore’s Fish and Chips, in Castle Douglas.
Owner Colin Cromar said he was over the moon with the accolade just two years after opening, and that attention to detail and consistency was the recipe for success.
He told The Courier: “I’m absolutely delighted. It was a great team effort from the staff. I always tell them you are only as good as your last fish supper.”
Students and townspeople alike have become firm fans of Cromars’ suppers, and customers come from far and wide for a tasty treat from the Union Street eaterie that prides itself on using the best local produce.
Taking the top spot for the Highland, Grampian, Tayside, Central and Fife area is far from the first time that Colin’s finesse at the fryer has earned recognition.
Two weeks ago it was named takeaway of the year in the Food Awards Scotland.
When Colin was a partner in Anstruther Fish Bar the famous East Neuk chippy was named Scottish fish shop of the year twice.
Last year Cromars restaurant was the Scottish regional winner in the Seafish contest, but Colin said the takeaway title was the big prize.
Paul Williams, chief executive of Seafish, said: “The aim of the national fish and chip awards has always been to showcase the very best fish and chip businesses and individuals in the UK while setting incredibly high standards for the industry to aspire to.
“The independent takeaway fish and chip shop of the year award is one of the highest honours to receive as a fish and chip business.”
Shortlisted shops were judged on criteria including shop appearance, responsible sourcing, customer service and staff training.
Further mystery shopper visits by industry experts will whittle the 20 finalists down to 10, with the Scottish winner announced in October and the UK winner in January.
Photo by George McLuskie