A HEREFORD fish and chip shop has been named as one of the top 10 developing chippies in the country.

Edwards Plaice, on Grandstand Road, only opened in January but has reached the coveted shortlist in the 2017 National Fish & Chip Awards' Best Newcomer Award.

The award is open to independent fish and chip businesses that have been opened in the last two years and recognises those that are excelling in upholding the high standards of fish and chip the trade

To get to this stage the business has been appraised across a variety of judging criteria including innovative approaches to running a new fish and chip shop, promotional activity undertaken and approaches to sustainable and responsible sourcing of fish and other ingredients.

Over the coming weeks, the shortlisted business will be subjected to mystery shopping assessments by industry experts, evaluating both product quality and customer service levels.

This next stage of the competition will whittle down the top 10, forming the UK’s top three finalists that will go on to compete for the top accolade at the 2017 awards ceremony.

Marcus Coleman, Chief Executive at Seafish, said: “Being shortlisted in this award is a fantastic achievement for newly opened fish and chip businesses. It demonstrates their incredible talent, dedication and commitment to thrive; traits that are to be applauded."

For further information on The National Fish & Chip Awards please visit www.fishandchipawards.com, or follow @FishnChipAwards on Twitter for all the awards news and information.