Molloys Fish and Chips batter than the rest

Molloys Fish and Chips batter than the rest

14 July 2021

A LOCAL fish and chip shop has proven it is a cut above the rest once again.

Downpatrick-based Molloys Fish and Chips was voted Best Fish and Chip Shop in Co Down at this year’s NI Fish and Chip Shop Awards.

The awards, sponsored by EB Gas Services and Express Food Services, are based on quality of product, value for money and cleanliness of the premises.

Owner of Molloys Fish and Chips, Ted Cupples said: “It is a great achievement to be recognised for all the hard work put in from everyone involved in the shop.

“We can’t thank everyone enough who have showed, and continue to show, their support for the establishment.”

The competition was hosted by AB Events at The Crowne Plaza in Belfast, with an initial 314 nominations received since last August from fish and chip shops all bidding to be recognised as the best.

Out of the hundreds that were in contention, this number was narrowed to just seven after an online vote from the public determined which takeaway should make the final cut for consideration.

“What’s perhaps a bit ironic about the whole thing, is that I never considered entering the competition,” said Mr Cupples.

“A representative from AB Events visited the shop and highly suggested I enter officially after my shop had already received the most support.”

The final seven fish and chip shops were then mystery shopped by three different industry judges on three separate occasions over the following months with the highest scores from each determining the overall winner.

“I was informed that the three nights the mystery judges visited the shop were very busy,” said Mr Cupples. 

“I think it was one Sunday night and two Fridays, so knowing that they saw our shop in full flow and we still won is a great feeling,” he continued.

“I would urge other local shops to enter the competition next year. It was very well run and a good experience. We will be entering again as I wish to retain our title.”

Co-main Sponsor Rodney Marks said: “The fish and chip industry have been waiting a long time to have such a big event to recognise the hard work fish and chip shops put into serving their customers a quality product.”

This isn’t the first time Molloys have tasted success having previously been awarded a Quality Award from the National Federation of Fish Fryers – which only one percent of shops in the UK hold.

Molloys are now open from 4-9 pm seven days a week with delivery also available, including to Clough.