A HAMPSHIRE chip shop is one of the two best in the region and a could yet be crowned the UK’s top chippy.

Staff at Best Fry in High Street, West End will hope to live up to their name after it was revealed the shop had made it on to the final shortlist of two in the Central and Southern England category at the 30th National Fish & Chip Awards, organised by Seafish.

Standing between them and the regional title are Captain’s Fish and Chips in Hoddesdon.

The finalist have have had their frying skills put to the test as well as being assessed against a variety of judging criteria, including menu development and innovation, sustainable sourcing policies, staff training processes and marketing activity.

Over the coming week, the top 20 will be subjected to further assessment with judges making unannounced visits to undertake full business audits and additional appraisal of the fish and chips on offer.

This next judging stage will determine a top 10 list who will progress to the final stage of the competition to be held in London in January 2018.

Marcus Coleman, chief executive at Seafish, said: “Fish and chips are Britain’s national dish, loved by millions across the country. With their origins dating back to the 1860s, we’re proud to continue raising the quality with this competition, ensuring that the high quality standards that have helped make it the national’s favourite dish continue to be met for generations to come.

Best Fry is no stranger to honours. Earlier this year it was recognised with the National Federation of Fish Friers’ (NFFF) quality award for the second time in five years.

Owner John Lee and his son Shane’s sister shop The Codfather, in Botley Road, Southampton was named in in the UK’s top 50 by Fry Magazine in June.