Diss chip shop joins fish frying elite

Staff at the Fair Green Fish Bar are celebrating after joining the fish frying elite after achieving a Fish and Chip Quality Award. The chippy is only the third in the whole of Norfolk and Suffolk to so far be awarded with the prestigious kitemark from the National Federation of Fish Friers.

The shop in Denmark Street, Diss, has been run by Merdan Adiguzel for the last three years and received two inspections over the last few months to demonstrate its quality produce and service.

Mr Adiguzel said he was delighted to receive the award from the trade body that represents the nation's fish and chip shops following a rigorous process.

'In this region is not that known, but it is very important for the industry and is a sign of the best quality fish and chips. The federation has told us that we should get a 20 to 25pc improvement in business because of this and some shops get a 200pc improvement.'

'Not all fish and chip shops get the award when they apply for it and only a few percent achieve it and it is really difficult to get,' he said.

The quality award scheme started in January and French's Fish Bar at Wells and the Codfather Fish and Chips in Sudbury also hold the standard in Norfolk and Suffolk. There are less than 90 across the country with the award.

The benchmark aims to reward and promote shops that provide good quality products and high standards of hygiene, as well as friers who show a high level of competence.

Mr Adiguzel said good chefs and service with a smile also helped Fair Green Fish Bar get the award, which is valid for the next two years.

'I use all fresh fish, which I get from Lowestoft myself or I get it delivered. The most important thing is the quality of the fish. I use good quality vegetable oil and special butter. It is very important when we get this award, they check our service quality,' he said.

For more information, visit www.qualityfishandchips.co.uk