A Wiltshire fish and chip shop that boasts it is “fanatical about fish” has battered its rivals to win a national award.
Harlees Fish & Chips, which has eight locations in Wiltshire and Dorset, was named Best Multiple Operator at the National Fish and Chip Awards 2023.
Harlees beat other shortlisted finalists, The Chesterford Group in Hertfordshire and Bells Fish & Chips in Durham, to win the coveted award.
In a Facebook message, Harlees said: “We are so proud and excited to have won Best Multiple Operator.
“Well done to every member of our Harlees team and thank you to all our customers for their continued support.”
To watch the awards presentation click here.
The company was awarded the title after an extensive judging process completed by an anonymous panel of industry experts.
Founded in Dorset in 1997, the family-owned business is run by Richard and Lynda Long and their daughter Kaylee Herbert.
Mr Long is the third generation, and Kaylee is the fourth to go into the industry.
Kaylee said: “To win this award as we celebrate 25 years is just fantastic.”
Harlees employs a mixture of 95 full and part-time staff, with three Wiltshire sites in Amesbury, Bradford on Avon and Westbury and five Dorset sites in Corfe Mullen, Poole Quay, Swanage (two) and Verwood.
Speaking after the firm was shortlisted, Mrs Herbert said: “We are delighted to have made the top three.
“Our teams have worked really hard during uncertain times over the past two years and deserve this recognition.
“As a company in 2022 we have opened a new shop, started our journey towards carbon zero and have a number of exciting projects in the pipeline for the year ahead.”
The Best Multiple Operator category celebrates businesses which operate multiple fish and chips sites across the UK.
It is sponsored by Meadow Vale Foods, supplier of poultry products to the foodservice and retail market.
National Federation of Fish Friers president Andrew Crook said: “Finding the best operators who have managed multiple sites during a difficult year for the industry is so important to highlight and celebrate their success.
“It’s amazing to see strong businesses thriving and we’re looking forward to seeing them continue to grow in 2023.”
The NFFF hosted the National Fish and Chip Awards presentation evening at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel in London.
It is the largest UK-wide event dedicated to raising standards across the industry while supporting fish and chip-related businesses.
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