On the 26th of February the National Fish and Chip Awards took place. As part of my role at the National Federation of Fish Friers I help to run the event so it is always a busy time. The week kicked off with an early morning fish and chip delivery to the BBC and the Scott Mills Breakfast Show along side our Treasurer Caroline Murphy.
I then headed over to the stunning Fishmonger’s Hall at the side of the Thames to take part in the Norwegian / UK Seafood Summit where I took part in a panel session to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the fish and chip industry.
The evening before the awards we held a sponsors reception in the Speaker’s House hosted by Sir Lindsay Hoyle. The Speaker’s House ia lovely venue, located next to Westminster Bridge. It is always an honour to visit let alone getting to speak there. We were joined by many MPs which gave our members the opportunity to tell them of some of the challenges the industry currently faces.
The following lunchtime the actual awards ceremony took place at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge. This hotel is perfect for an event such as ours which is attended by 600 guests. Hosted by TV’s Matt Baker we changed from the usual comedian host and it worked a treat. Matt is a fantastic host and really connected with the Audience. Congratualtions to all of the winners. You can see me pictured with the winner of Fish and Chip Takeaway of the Year, Yarm Road in Darlington.
ON the Thursday morning I took the winners to the GB News studio to do an interview. We were joined by Graham Kennedy of Bells Fish and Chips in Durham who won the Fish and Chip Restaurant of the Year category.
I have been in fish and chips for 21 years and currently hold the position on President of the National Federation of Fish Friers