A fish and chip shop near Swindon has battered the opposition and has been shortlisted for a national accolade. 

Malt & Anchor in Castle Street, Cirencester has once again been nominated for Fish & Chip Restaurant of the Year at the annual National Fish and Chip Awards 2024.

The popular chippie, which has a rating of 4.5 out of 490 reviews on Tripadvisor and is the sixth most popular restaurant in Cirencester, narrowly missed out on the win last year and placed second, but staff are crossing their fingers that they will be able to take home the winning trophy at last. 

Nine other fish and chip restaurants from across the country have been shortlisted for this prestigious award including The Chip Shed in Cheltenham and Noah's in Bristol.

The finalists have earned their place in the top 10 following an intense review of their environmental standards, sustainability best practice methods, customer service and knowledge of the fish and chip industry from a panel of judges. 

Awards organiser and president of the National Federation of Fish Friers Andrew Crook said: “While the challenges facing the fish and chip industry have been prominent in the headlines, the judges at the National Fish and Chip Awards are seeing how hard businesses are working to ensure the experience of coming into their restaurants remains second to none. 

“We’re proud of how they are going above and beyond to continue serving this British classic and it’s an honour to be able to champion the entrants.”

The award category sponsor Seafood from Iceland’s project manager Björgvin Þór Björgvinsson said: “Showing our support and appreciation for the Restaurant of the Year finalists is a real joy. 

"Excellency at every touchpoint of these businesses has been clearly evident and it’s especially exciting and encouraging for Seafood from Iceland to see how UK fish and chip establishments are embracing where the future of fish on menus is heading.” 

Renowned names from the industry will continue further inspections of the shortlist, including mystery visits to each, which will see the 10 restaurants scaled down to five competitors. 

The winner will be announced at the awards ceremony at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in London on Wednesday, February 28.