Popular chippy batters rivals to be named best in Britain

A popular chippy has battered its opposition to be named the best in the country.
Left to right:- Kevin Henderson, sponsor Andrew Marriott and Simon Walsh of Longsands Fish Kitchen. Picture by Ashley Bingham/A&M Photography.Left to right:- Kevin Henderson, sponsor Andrew Marriott and Simon Walsh of Longsands Fish Kitchen. Picture by Ashley Bingham/A&M Photography.
Left to right:- Kevin Henderson, sponsor Andrew Marriott and Simon Walsh of Longsands Fish Kitchen. Picture by Ashley Bingham/A&M Photography.

Longsands Fish Kitchen, in Front Street, Tynemouth, was opened in August 2015 by North East chef Simon Walsh.

And now it has scooped the Best Newcomer award at the prestigious National Fish and Chip Awards 2017 – organised by Seafish and regarded as the fish frying industry’s ‘Oscars’.

Longsands Fish Kitchen owner and chef Simon Walsh.Longsands Fish Kitchen owner and chef Simon Walsh.
Longsands Fish Kitchen owner and chef Simon Walsh.
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Simon said: “We were thrilled when Longsands was named among the Top 10 best new fish and chip shops. When we made it into the final three we were ecstatic. Now to be named the best in the country is mind-blowing.

“It’s a huge honour and a massive boost for Tynemouth and the area’s fishing industry with North Shields Fish Quay just a few minutes’ walk away.

“We were up against tough competition, and to make the top three was a massive achievement. Now to go all the way is incredible.

“I’ve been a chef for more than 25 years and won lots of plaudits along the way. But I can honestly say this win is the pinnacle of not just my career, but our team’s too.

Longsands Fish Kitchen in Tynemouth.Longsands Fish Kitchen in Tynemouth.
Longsands Fish Kitchen in Tynemouth.
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“Everyone at Longsands really threw themselves behind the awards and is excited to be working at a fish and chip shop that can say it is among the best in the UK.

“To be recognised for the high quality and standard we are setting ourselves on a daily basis is amazing.

“It’s not just put Tynemouth on the fish and chip aficionados map, but shone the spotlight on the North East and its burgeoning and eclectic food scene which is gaining national recognition.”

Before opening the Longsands Fish Kitchen with business partner and long-time friend, Kevin Henderson, Simon was executive head chef at the Close House Golf Resort in Northumberland’s Tyne Valley.

Longsands Fish Kitchen owner and chef Simon Walsh.Longsands Fish Kitchen owner and chef Simon Walsh.
Longsands Fish Kitchen owner and chef Simon Walsh.
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He has also worked alongside one of the North East’s best known culinary stars, Terry Laybourne, as well as at the luxury Lakeside Hotel on Windermere, the multi-award-winning Barrasford Arms in Northumberland, and North Yorkshire’s highly acclaimed Crab and Lobster Restaurant.

But he left the world of fine dining behind in January 2015 to go it alone and open the Longsands Fish Kitchen offering a take-out service, as well as a daily changing restaurant menu making the most of the sustainably sourced seafood being landed at North Shields Fish Quay.

Longsands Fish Kitchen was shortlisted in the Best Newcomer category – open to independent fish and chip businesses that have been operating since no earlier than October 1, 2014 – alongside the Stargazy Fish Bar from Tetbury, Gloucestershire, and North Beach Fish and Chips from Bridlington, East Yorkshire.

All three finalists faced in-depth judging from an awards auditor, including assessing front and back-of-house operational aspects, before the overall winner was announced.

Longsands Fish Kitchen in Tynemouth.Longsands Fish Kitchen in Tynemouth.
Longsands Fish Kitchen in Tynemouth.
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Simon said: “We are so proud. The food in the restaurant and take away is all locally sourced and homemade, from our signature old-fashioned curry sauce and mushy peas, to the traditional battered cod and chips, tempura tiger prawns, and the bestselling spicy shrimp burger.

“We see this as just the beginning for us. We are determined to push fish and chips forward and make sure it remains a cool brand that will appeal to the younger generation.”

Marcus Coleman, Chief Executive at Seafish, added: “The aim of the National Fish & Chip Awards has always been to showcase the very best fish and chip businesses and individuals in the UK while setting incredibly high standards for the rest of the fish and chip industry to aspire to.

“Juggling the demands of a new business is a challenging process, however this is something that Longsands Fish Kitchen have taken in their stride. They are going from strength-to-strength to become great ambassadors for the fish and chip industry.

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“Winning an award of this calibre is a fantastic achievement for any newly opened fish and chip business. It demonstrates Longsands Fish Kitchen’s incredible talent, dedication and commitment; traits that have to be applauded.”