A PENRITH chippie owner has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to the local community by being awarded an Inspiring Eden Award by Eden District Council. 

Dan Harding is a well-known and respected figure in the area, working tirelessly to ensure his businesses provide high-quality food and excellent service.

Dan is the director of both Angel Lane Chippie and Foundry 34 restaurant and is undoubtedly passionate about Penrith.

Dan, alongside his father, has been running Angel Lane Chippie since 2007.

Their mission has always been to provide the best meals and service to their customers, and they have gone above and beyond to achieve this.

In addition to running the fish and chip shop and Foundry 34 in Penrith, Dan has also developed a highly successful mobile fish and chip van service, which travels to various locations and villages around Eden on a weekly basis.

READ MORE: The Chippie Van Penrith a finalist in National Fish and Chip awards

Angel Lane Chippie has won many national awards over the years, and its recent success in making the top 40 of the UK’s best fish and chip shops, which have been selected to compete in this year’s National Fish and Chip Awards 2023 Best Takeout of Year category, has contributed to Dan being recognised with this award.

"I was quite shocked to receive the award – I was more expecting a telling off! I’m really pleased and thank you so much for the recognition. I’m a passionate Penrith person. I do my utmost to make sure Penrith thrives – not just with my own business, but in my role with Penrith BID too," Dan said. 

Cllr Douglas Banks, chair of Eden District Council, added, "At times Dan isn’t afraid to criticise the Council – but it’s safe to say that with the amount of fantastic work he does for Penrith, you cannot argue he deserves this Inspiring Eden award. It is nice to see everything he does around the town.”

The Inspiring Eden Awards are part of Eden District Council's wider initiative to promote rural excellence and support the local economy.