A Fife fish and chip shop has narrowly missed out on being crowned the UK’s best.
Cromars, which is based in St Andrews’ Union Street, was battering it out with nine other finalists from across the UK to be named Independent Takeaway Fish and Chip Shop of the Year.
But despite being shortlisted for the top prize, the popular eaterie just fell short at the final hurdle with the title going to Simpsons Fish and Chips in Cheltenham.
The winners of the annual Seafish Authority Awards have been announced at a glitzy ceremony at London’s Lancaster Hotel.
“It’s the one everyone wants to win, the big one that counts the most,” owner Colin Cromar told The Courier prior to the ceremony.
“It’s very much a team effort for and I want to thank my staff who put the hard work and dedication into Cromars every day.”
Mr Cromar said the fact Cromars was shortlisted shows how St Andrews is fast becoming something of a “foodie mecca”.
“It’s great for the whole area and we do benefit enormously from the cosmopolitan feel St Andrews has with so many visitors and people staying here from all over the world,” he noted.
“I think many of the restaurants and artisan suppliers here are aware that we have a real opportunity to shine, but we have to keep standards high.”
Staff from Cromars gave a special presentation on the business to the judging panel on Tuesday ahead of the formal prizegiving ceremony on Wednesday.
Kingfisher Fish and Chips in Plympton, Plymouth, came second, while The Cod’s Scallops in Nottingham came third.