Having been awarded the Fry 10 Best Fish and Chip Takeaway Award 2023, we spoke with Fish Bank owner and manager, Jonathan, to find out more about the whole experience. 

Q: So, Jonathan, how did it feel to be named Top 10 for the NFFF Awards? 

A: We were totally thrilled and honoured to have won this incredible award. It really proved to myself and the rest of the team that our simple, traditional but contemporary approach to fish and chips is a real hit. 

Q: Why do you think Fish Bank was awarded this? 

A: Well, when the mystery judge visits your shop unannounced, I think they’re looking at a number of things. Of course there’s the food itself that they’re paying close attention to, and all of our food is cooked fresh to order using the very best ingredients available to us. My staff are all very well trained, ensuring they are friendly and professional at all times, which definitely adds to the experience at Fish Bank. 

So a combination of great food and outstanding service I would say ensured we were awarded the Fry Awards and got us as far as it did. 

Q: How did you prepare for the awards? 

A: It’s funny because I can’t say we did much other than kept on doing what we believe in. We carried on following our processes that ensure we produce excellent food, with great customer service. 

Q: Did you enjoy the experience? 

A: Definitely! We had a great day out in London at the National Award Finals (the Oscars of the industry!). It was our first time entering and it was amazing to be in the company of some great operators. Jason Manford handed us our award, which was fantastic, he was really funny as you’d expect. 

Q: What did you learn during the awards experience? 

A: The main thing we learnt here at Fish Bank is to keep doing what we do. Our natural qualities must have shone through enough to earn us the award in the first place, and as they say if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.  

Obviously, there’s always room for improvement, and one area of Fish Bank we’d like to improve is becoming even more active in our local community in the future. Just watch this space. 

Have you enjoyed getting to know more about Fish Bank’s experience during the Fry Awards 2023? Head over to the fish and chip shop in Leeds to try some award-winning fish and chips for yourself.