Food & Drink

The Dolphin Takeaway in Dungannon has been named NI's top fish and chip shop

Malachy Mallon, owner of the Dolphin Takeaway in Dungannon, named top fish and chip shop in Northern Ireland
Malachy Mallon, owner of the Dolphin Takeaway in Dungannon, named top fish and chip shop in Northern Ireland Malachy Mallon, owner of the Dolphin Takeaway in Dungannon, named top fish and chip shop in Northern Ireland

A CO Tyrone takeaway has fried its way to success after being crowned top fish and chip shop in Northern Ireland.

The Dolphin Takeaway in Dungannon was voted the best in the north in the 2017 National Fish and Chip Awards, which celebrates and showcases the best talent, quality and choice offered by fish and chip businesses.

The eaterie on George Street will now compete against nine other regional winners in a bid to be voted the UK's Independent Takeaway Fish and Chip Shop of the Year.

Malachy Mallon, owner of The Dolphin Takeaway, said: "We were shortlisted in the top 10 last year and to be here again feels just as amazing.

"We've been running for over 20 years striving to offer the best quality fish and chips, but it’s our attention to detail and the care we take with customer service that we believe really sets us apart from the rest.

"We’re absolutely thrilled to be acknowledged for our hard work. Our staff have very much embraced the awards and are now excited to be working in a chip shop that’s recognised as one of the best."

The Dolphin Takeaway will now put their presentation skills to the test in one last judging round, facing a panel of representatives from leading trade bodies, the fish and potato supply sectors and past awards champions.

They will be quizzed on a range of industry related topics and be required to demonstrate how they successfully run a profitable business and plan for future development.

The overall winner will be announced at an awards ceremony in January.

Marcus Coleman, chief executive at Seafish which organises the competition, said: "The Independent Takeaway Fish and Chip Shop of the Year Award is one of the highest honours a fish and chip business can receive.

"The judging process is extremely challenging with shops thoroughly being put through their paces - these 10 finalists are a credit to the industry and I commend them for reaching this stage of the competition."