This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/7844047.stm

The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 3 Version 4
Scots chippie looks to UK success Scots chippie crowned best in UK
(about 6 hours later)
A Scottish chippie has 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 crowned the best fish and chip shop in Britain.
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 triumphed over nine other finalists in the awards, which are 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. Owner Alison Smith said: "The title is a great way of reminding our customers, and fans throughout the UK, where to buy the best fish and chips."
Victory would make it two-in-a-row for Scotland after success for the Townhead Cafe in Biggar last year. It was the second victory in a row for Scotland, following the success of the Townhead Cafe in Biggar last year.
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 Robert and Alison Smith have run the Anstruther Fish Bar and Restaurant in Fife since 2003.
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. This is the Oscars of our industry Robert Smith
Robert Smith said: "This is the Oscars of our industry." Alison said: "Being named best in Scotland for the fourth time was fantastic for us, but claiming the national title has always been our ambition, it's the ultimate goal in 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." "The title is just reward for our hard-working staff."
Husband Robert added: "This is the Oscars of our industry."
They received the award from chef Simon Rimmer, star of BBC2's Something for the Weekend, at a London hotel.
They also lifted the award for Contribution to the Local Community.
Simon said: "The high standards of our fish and chip shops rival the top restaurants in the country.
"The best shop owners work hard to deliver outstanding quality by using the finest ingredients and a responsible attitude to the sourcing of fish."
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 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.
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.
The number of fast-food customers in the country rose by 3.2% in the first quarter of 2008 compared to the previous year.