The owners of a fan-favourite Yorkshire fish and chip shop has hailed the “great boost for business” after the chippy was crowned the best takeaway in Britain.
Aman Dhesi, who co-owns The Scrap Box on the A1079 at Dunnington, alongside his brother Gavin, told Martin Daubney what the awards mean to him and its impact on the hospitality industry.
The National Fish And Chip Awards, overseen by the National Federation of Fish Friers, took place at the Park Plaza in London on Wednesday.
“The whole awards process is a great thing for the hospitality industry. It sheds a spotlight on lots of great jobs,” he told host Martin Daubney.
“It’s a great event which celebrates the best of the world. It’s much needed in these times with lots of headwinds for the industry. It’s going to be a great boost for business.”
The brothers’ business was not the only county success, with Yorkshire Shop Trenchers on the coast in Whitby snapping up Restaurant of the Year.
Opening up on what makes an award-winning battered fish, Mr Dhesi said there were “so many things” that goes into it, from thin batter, to cold water. He said he hoped the Yorkshire water made a difference.
“It’s using the best fish. It’s using the best in season potatoes and it’s just serving it with a smile and a good packaging. And yeah, I think that’s it… really just doing everything as consistently as possible,” he beamed.
Aman Dhesi was beaming about his shop’s success on GB News
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He added their fan favourites included a 10-ounce portion of haddock mentioning their restaurant’s namesake, the scrap box.
“Do people still ask for scraps or batter bits, as we used to call them?” Martin asked.
“It’s a bit of a contentious term, isn’t it, what you call those crunchy bits of fluffy pillow,” Mr Dhesi chuckled in response.
“But yeah, we have those scraps where we are. They’ve got scrims and scrums and batter and all sorts wherever you are. But yeah, we give them free here with with the chips. There’s nothing better.”
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The much-loved shop, run by two brothers, won the prestigious award last night
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The classic menu item spurred on an old memory from Martin, who shared a story where he was campaigning in Ashfield, he asked for a collection of the crunchy batters bites.
He said: “They gave me a pile of batter bits and I put them straight in my mouth. And you know what? They just come straight out of the fryer… I got third degree burns on my mouth, but I couldn’t show it. I was too embarrassed!”
He continued: “But on a serious point, winning this trophy must be great for your business.
“And we hear all the time about the overheads and hospitality, about the cost of fish, the cost of your electricity takes a lot of electricity and gas to fire your burners. We’re hoping this is going to give your business a huge boost.”
After being crowned the winner of the prestigious award, Mr Dhesi said: “There are so many outstanding fish and chip shops across the UK, and countless awards, but this is the one every chippy dreams of, the ‘Oscars’ of our industry!
“With the most rigorous judging and the highest calibre of past winners, it’s a true honour to be recognised at this level.
“To represent the very best of fish and chips for the year ahead is both humbling and hugely meaningful to our team, and a testament to the craft, care, and consistency we put into every portion of fish and chips.”
Last year, the adored shop became a National Fish and Chip Quality Award Champion, while also being named as one of the happiest places to work in hospitality.
York Outer MP Luke Charters lauded the business’s success, saying: “I am absolutely thrilled to say that we officially have the BEST fish and chip takeaway in the entire country right here in York Outer!
“Gavin and Aman, the brilliant minds behind this incredible business, were in London for the awards and very kindly stopped by Parliament for a catch-up.
“The Scrap Box isn’t just a brilliant local business; it’s a cornerstone of our community here in York Outer. If you haven’t visited yet, you absolutely should. Go and show them some love, they are officially the best takeaway in the country!”