TWO Cumbrian chippies are among those who serve up the best fish suppers in the country.

Shap Chippy and the Esk Cafe in Longtown have been named in Fry Magazine's prestigious list of the UK's 50 Best Fish and Chip Takeaways.

Both impressed a mystery diner who visited unannounced and marked them on more than 40 aspects of their business, from the quality of the food and customer service to cleanliness and value for money.

The Esk Cafe, which scored 97 per cent, was praised for its "lovely, golden and fluffy" chips which the mystery diner said were the best chips they had had in while.

Claire Gray, owner of The Esk Cafe, said: “We are delighted to have made it to the top 50 takeaways. It’s the first time we have made the list, which a great acknowledgement of the work we have undertaken to make our fish and chips, and service first class.

"We never cut corners where our product is concerned. We always buy the best quality potatoes and sustainable fish to ensure we are serving our customers with excellent quality, delicious fish and chips."

For Shap Chippy owners Matt and Ashley Phillips it's their second award in less than two weeks, having been named Cumbria's Best Fish and Chip Shop in the Cumbria Retail Business Awards 2019.

"Again we couldn't have achieved this without the support of our amazing team who deliver the best product, quality and service every single time" said Ashley.

The mystery diner, who praised the "amazing food quality", was blown away by Shap Chippy and gave it a top score of 100 per cent.

Reece Head, of Fry Magazine, said: "The eating out market is more competitive than ever and you can no longer just open your doors and expect a regular trade; the focus has to be on offering a quality product that’s consistent, accompanied by exceptional customer service in clean, inviting surroundings.

"Our 50 Best Takeaways hit the mark on all these aspects day in, day out by buying the best ingredients, filtering their oil every day, sourcing the right packaging, training their staff and investing back into their premises. This all comes at a price, but these shops see the value it adds and it was makes them stand out.

"We are proud of all the winners and the efforts they go to not only to raise standards in our industry but to set new ones too. The industry is so much more professional than it ever has been because of shops like those in our 50 Best who go the extra mile.”

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