A LOCAL chippy has once again gained national recognition as it was named as one of the best fish and chip takeaways in the UK this year.

Shap Chippy near Penrith was named in Fry Magazine's 50 Best Fish and Chip Takeaways in the UK.

The multi-award-winning fish and chip shop's mobile fish and chip van, Shappy Wheels, was also named as one of the UK's 10 Best Mobile Units.

"The team is absolutely bouncing around at the minute," said Shap Chippy co-owner, Matt Phillips.

"We are over the moon not just to win one but two awards its truly amazing, we are so proud of our teams that work so hard everyday."

Co-owner, Ashley Phillips, added: "to achieve this in our first year of setting up Shappy Wheels is so great and a true testament of how hard the staff work.

"It’s very different being on the road to the shop, but we love it and so do our many customers."

The married couple took over the fish and chip shop in Shap three years ago, and since then they have won various awards and achieved second place in the Seafish National Fish and Chip Awards 2020.

Matt said the secret to success has been down to the whole team.

He added: "We took the business over three years ago and it had won awards previously.

"It’s the consistency and the effort that the team put in. They’re very passionate about a good product and they try and make sure it’s the best it can be every time it goes out."

The business said it is delighted to have achieved recognition during what has been a difficult year for everyone across the country due to Covid-19.

Matt said the experience of running the business during a pandemic has been strange.

He added: "We would normally be used to the hustle and bustle of 50-plus people rammed into the takeaway on a Friday night with everyone queueing up against each other.

"Now, it’s all socially distanced outside, and everyone is coming in two-minute intervals to pick orders up.

"The team has been fantastic, and the customers have gone on a journey because not everyone’s go to is technology and not everyone’s go to is online ordering. It’s been a learning curve and a journey for everyone."

To make the 50 Best & top 10, Shap Chippy & Shappy Wheels had to impress a mystery diner who visited unannounced and marked the chippy & van on over 40 aspects of their business, from the quality of the food and customer service to their social media presence and their Covid safe practices.

With the pass mark set high at 97%, Shap Chippy scored 99% with the mystery diner particularly praising the exceptional high quality of the food, great service and outstanding Covid safe measures.

Shappy Wheels achieved 98% with the pass mark set high at 92% for mobile units.

Competition organizer, Reece Head, said: "Without doubt, the last 12 months have been tough for fish and chip takeaways and many will not have dealt with this level of crisis management before.

"Allowed to stay open during the pandemic, there was a lot they had to implement in a very short space of time to operate in a Covid safe manner.

"Many had to flip their businesses to click and collect and delivery, serve at the door, introduce card payments and work in much smaller teams, but they did and they kept the nation fed including our elderly and vulnerable, those shielding and our key workers.

"This year’s judging criteria took into account these changes and we’re delighted to acknowledge that, despite the difficulties and added pressure, Shap Chippy & Shappy never let standards drop.

"During this pandemic they have been at the heart of their communities, with a smile on their faces and hot food in their hands. We’re proud to have them in our 50 Best Fish & Chip Takeaways for 2021 & UK’s 10 Best Mobile Units."