A HAMPSHIRE fish and chip shop has been named one of the best in the UK – and it could be crowned the country’s top chippie.

Mike’s Traditional Fish and Chips, in Bishopstoke, has made a shortlist of the 60 top chippies in the UK in the 2020 National Fish and Chip Awards.

The takeaway, on Spring Lane, will now be in with a chance of making the final 20 in the Fish and Chip Shop of the Year Award, from which an overall winner will be crowned.

Co-owner, Mike Isaac, 26, said: “We’re absolutely over the moon to have been shortlisted in such a prestigious award.

“To be named as one of the top 60 Fish and Chip shops in the UK is a huge accomplishment and we’re looking forward to the next stage of the competition.”

“All of our staff should be very proud.”

Mike’s was the only fish and chip shop in Hampshire to make the 60 strong shortlist and one of four in the Central and Southern England region.

They include two chippies from Bedfordshire and another from Milton Keynes.

The awards are organised by Seafish, the public body that supports the £10bn UK seafood industry.

The awards recognise outstanding businesses across the country that are serving incredible fish and chips and providing excellent customer service.

Marcus Coleman, Chief Executive Officer at Seafish, said: “Every summer we look forward to starting our search for the UK’s best fish and chip shop and this award showcases the best in the business.

“Shops have been entering the competition since May and these Top 60 takeaways have demonstrated real commitment to quality in all areas and worked tirelessly to earn their place on this list.

“I would recommend a visit to them all.”

The winner of the National Fish and Chip Awards will be announced at a ceremony in January 2020.

As previously reported in the Echo, Mr Isaac took over the Bishopstoke-based fish and chip shop earlier this year.

The site was formerly known as Nick’s Fish Bar – which had been in business since the 1970s.

The father-of-one has gone into business with brothers John and Sonny Lee, who run a number of fish and chip shops, including J Henry’s in Hedge End and Sonny’s in Fair Oak.