A CHESTER chippy has proved to be chip-top when it comes to awards after scooping two top national accolades.

Fish & Chips @ Weston Grove in Upton had previously been shortlisted in the final 10 best chip shops in the UK ahead of The National Fish & Chip Awards 2020.

And while the restaurant didn't quite bag the top national gong, it was able to pick up two awards highlighting its commitment to sustainability and the quality of potatoes used.

It earned The Good Catch Award, which looks at the policies and procedures businesses have in place to ensure responsible sourcing of fish and shellfish, and The From Field to Frier Award, which is centred around the quality of potatoes used as well as knowledge of types, seasonality, storage and preparation of raw ingredients.

Fish & Chips @ Weston Grove underwent a final round of judging for each category, which scrutinised both front and back-of-house practices.

The Upton chippy was set up by potato merchant Richard Foster and his wife Josette with the aim of bringing their experience of providing good old fashioned British fish and chips to Chester.

Marcus Coleman, chief executive at Seafish, organisers of The National Fish & Chip Awards 2020, said: “The quality of fish and chips served always comes back to the quality of the ingredients used.

"By winning two awards for sourcing practices, Fish & Chips @ Weston Grove has shown itself to be the UK’s leading fish and chip shop when it comes to sourcing the key components for the nation’s favourite takeaway.

"The implementation of sustainable practices is essential to safeguarding the future of the fish and chips industry, and this business is a shining example of how things should be done. We wish them all the best for the future.”

The Good Catch Award is sponsored by the Marine Conservation Society and the Marine Stewardship Council.

Samuel Stone, head of fisheries and aquaculture at the Marine Conservation Society, said: “The standard of entries in the Good Catch Award were exceptional this year, with businesses going the extra mile to demonstrate commitment to sourcing seafood sustainably and making great use of resources, including our Good Fish Guide.

"Congratulations to winners Fish & Chips @ Weston Grove, they set a great example of what can be achieved when businesses put sustainability at the heart of what they do.”

Loren Hiller, UK & Ireland commercial officer of Marine Stewardship Council, added: “Well done to Fish & Chips @ Weston Grove for taking home the Good Catch Award in 2020.

"We look for fish and chip shops that champion the MSC label and provide fully traceable and sustainable fish and chips, making it easier for customers to eat the right seafood and have a positive impact on future generations.

"Every year the judging gets more difficult, but it’s fantastic to see businesses putting sustainable fish sourcing at the heart of their fish and chips.”

The From Field to Frier Award is sponsored by Isle of Ely Produce.

Oliver Boutwood, director at Isle of Ely Produce, said: “The From Field to Frier Award continues to capture the attention and imagination of both farmers and friers alike.

"As the sponsor of this award, it’s heartening to see so many forward-thinking fish and chip businesses placing importance on the responsible sourcing of their potatoes and allowing their customers the chance to learn more about where the potatoes they eat were grown.

"Huge congratulations to worthy winners Fish & Chips @ Weston Grove."

This time last year, Fish & Chips @ Weston Grove was crowned best newcomer at the National Fish And Chip Awards 2019.