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Scots chippie looks to UK success Scots chippie looks to UK success
(30 minutes later)
A Scottish chippie has been reached the final of the best fish and chip shop in Britain, amid claims that sales across the UK have taken off in the recession.A Scottish chippie has been reached the final of the best fish and chip shop in Britain, amid claims that sales across the UK have taken off in the recession.
The Anstruther Fish Bar in Fife will find out later on Thursday whether it has managed to lift the frying crown.The Anstruther Fish Bar in Fife will find out later on Thursday whether it has managed to lift the frying crown.
Owners Robert and Alison Smith were runners up in 2006 in the competition, run by the Sea Fish Organisation.Owners Robert and Alison Smith were runners up in 2006 in the competition, run by the Sea Fish Organisation.
Victory would make it two-in-a-row for Scotland after success for the Townhead Cafe in Biggar last year.Victory would make it two-in-a-row for Scotland after success for the Townhead Cafe in Biggar last year.
Robert and Alison Smith have run the Anstruther Fish Bar and Restaurant in Fife since 2003. Robert and Alison Smith have run the Anstruther Fish Bar and Restaurant in Fife since 2003. This is the Oscars of our industry Robert Smith
Mystery shopper
Since then they have won the Scottish Fish and Chip Shop of the Year four times and were UK runners up in 2006.Since then they have won the Scottish Fish and Chip Shop of the Year four times and were UK runners up in 2006.
Their most popular dish is haddock and chips although they do serve up a variety of fish including trout, halibut and lemon sole.Their most popular dish is haddock and chips although they do serve up a variety of fish including trout, halibut and lemon sole.
Robert Smith said: "This is the Oscars of our industry."
He told BBC Radio Scotland why his restaurant stood out: "I think it's just the consistency of the quality and the whole package, everything from when you come into the shop until the time you leave."
Robert Smith was born and bred in Anstruther and both he and his wife are hands on at the fish bar and restaurant.Robert Smith was born and bred in Anstruther and both he and his wife are hands on at the fish bar and restaurant.
They entered the competition through the Sea Fish Organisation.They entered the competition through the Sea Fish Organisation.
The various stages of the competition included a mystery inspection, a mystery shopper, tasting tests and shop inspections during which everything is examined including the fish and chips, bookwork, hygiene and customer service.The various stages of the competition included a mystery inspection, a mystery shopper, tasting tests and shop inspections during which everything is examined including the fish and chips, bookwork, hygiene and customer service.
On Wednesday afternoon the Smiths, who are in London for the finals, gave a presentation on their shop to a panel of 11 judges.On Wednesday afternoon the Smiths, who are in London for the finals, gave a presentation on their shop to a panel of 11 judges.
The awards ceremony takes place at 1500 GMT with celebrity chef Simon Rimmer doing the honours.The awards ceremony takes place at 1500 GMT with celebrity chef Simon Rimmer doing the honours.
Last year the UK award was won by the Townhead Cafe in Biggar.Last year the UK award was won by the Townhead Cafe in Biggar.
It is claimed that chips remain the UK's favourite takeaway with nearly 276m meals sold each year from over 10,500 shops.It is claimed that chips remain the UK's favourite takeaway with nearly 276m meals sold each year from over 10,500 shops.
The number of fast-food customers in the country rose by 3.2% in the first quarter of 2008 compared to the previous year.The number of fast-food customers in the country rose by 3.2% in the first quarter of 2008 compared to the previous year.