GLASGOW is famed the world over for its love of all things fish and chips, so it’s unsurprising that a chippy in the city has been recognised once again for being one of the best in the UK.

The team at the Merchant Chippie in High Street that has flown the flag high for Glasgow’s signature dish in this year’s ‘50 Best Fish & Chip Takeaways’ list.

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Other Scottish chippies to have made the cut are Dunkeld Fish Bar in Perthshire, Fourways in Edinburgh, Gino’s Fryer in Largs and Off the Hook in Airdrie.

This year’s list has seen a change compared to last year’s when the Merchant City establishment sat alongside Cromars in St Andrews, The Bay Fish & Chips in Stonehaven, The Plaice To Be in Kilmarnock and Fochabers Fish Bar in Morayshire.

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Merchant Chippie described how the team was “so excited” to have been recognised for the second year running.

The shop staff said: “The competition saw over 600 shops vying for a place on the list following an unannounced mystery-dining visit to each takeaway and restaurant.

Glasgow Times:
Merchant Chippie in High Street

“Over 40 aspects of the business are carefully scrutinised from the quality of fish and chips and staff presentation to front-of-house hygiene and customer service.

“The pass rate was, once again set, very high this year with 96% and we scored a fantastic 97%.

“It’s a great achievement and we are all very proud.”

The takeaways made the list after an independent company sent mystery diners to all shops that entered Fry Magazine’s sixth annual competition and considered a range of factors, including staff friendliness, cleanliness, to product knowledge.

Points were also awarded for the crispness of the batter, the texture of chips and the flakiness of the fish.

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Reece Head, competition organiser, highlighted how margins are “getting tighter” for fish and chip shop owners with more competition than ever before.

He said: “It’s a tough business to be in these days, but these shops are going out there, investing in their business, motivating their staff, staying up-to-date with the latest food trends and embracing technology. More importantly, they’re giving their customers what they want - top quality food and great customer service in attractive, inviting surroundings. That’s the key to a successful business and a successful future for fish and chips.”

He added: “Our mystery diners are the toughest customers of all to please so we’re delighted to say these shops all made the grade and we welcome them to our top 50.”

Visit frymagazine.com to see the complete list and winner.