A Fife fish and chip van has been named one of the top three in the whole of the UK.
Anstruther-based Fish and Frites is a finalist in the best mobile operator category at the 2020 National Fish and Chip Awards.
The Fife business, run by Cellardyke couple Sarah and Jordan Black, has been running from a vintage Citroen van since 2018.
The couple cover all of Fife as well as Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Mrs Black said venturing into the fish and chip industry was a “big risk” for the pair, who set up their mobile operation “instead of a honeymoon” after getting hitched last year.
She said: “We bought the van in February 2018 after it was restored. It is vintage and originally from 1966.
“We started it properly after we got married in May 2018 instead of a honeymoon. So we are still really new to the fish and chip industry.
“We went for a quirky name as our van is French, hence the name.
“Venturing into the unknown was a big risk for us but we both had catering experience, but not in a mobile sense.”
The family-run business operates with the help of the couple’s parents.
And Mrs Black recently discovered her great-grandparents ran a fish and chip van in Leven in the late-1960s before opening a shop in the town in the 1970s.
Catering also runs in Mr Black’s family. His grandparents ran the Craw’s Nest in Anstruther, where his mum was one of partners and also ran the kitchen.
Fish and Frites will go head-to-head with Fitzy’s Fish and Chips, of Merseyside,
and The English Indian, based in Staffordshire, in the final of the awards.
Organised by Seafish, the event rewards the best in the UK’s fish and chip industry.
Chief executive at Seafish Marcus Coleman said: “Running a successful mobile catering business is no mean feat – it requires a great deal of commitment, hard work and passion.
“The 2020 best mobile operator finalists have really impressed the judges by demonstrating impressive levels of promotional innovation and skill in producing fantastic tasting fish and chips.
“We’re extremely heartened to see a new generation of mobile fish and chip businesses make their mark with innovative operators jumping on opportunities, such as providing fish and chips at many major events music festivals, and wedding celebrations.
“These businesses are a real credit to the industry and we’d like to wish them all huge congratulations on their achievements to date.”
Elsewhere Stonehaven’s Carron Fish Bar is a finalist in the top 10 fish and chip shops category, while the town’s Redcloak Fish Bar has made the best newcomer shortlist.
Gourdon’s Quayside eatery is also up for the best fish and chip restaurant gong.
The winners will be announced at the National Fish and Chip Awards ceremony in London on January 23 2020.
