Linford’s Traditional Fish and Chips in Market Deeping in UK’s 50 Best Fish and Chip Takeaways 2021 list by Fry Magazine

Linford’s Traditional Fish and Chips in Market Deeping has been recognised as one of the best in the business.

The restaurant in Market Place has been named as one of the UK’s 50 Best Fish and Chip Takeaways 2021 - the only chippy in the area to make the list.

The accolade follows an extensive search by trade publication, Fry Magazine, to find the chippies serving up the finest fish suppers during a challenging year.

Chris Pithey, owner of Linford’s, said: “Being recognized as one of the top 50 fish and chip shops in the country is a great achievement for us.

“Over the past year we have worked so hard to ensure we are providing our quality fish and chips in a covid-safe way and this award is a testament to all of the hard work that the staff put in.”

To make the list, Linford’s had to impress a mystery diner who visited unannounced and marked the takeaway on more than 40 aspects of their business, from the quality of the food and customer service to their social media presence and their covid-safe practices.

With the pass mark set high at 97 per cent, Linford’s scored an 99 per cent with the mystery diner particularly praising the “very pleasant, efficient and friendly” staff as well as the “moist, tasty and perfectly cooked” cod.

Reece Head, competition organiser, said: “Without doubt, the last 12 months have been tough for fish and chip takeaways and many will not have dealt with this level of crisis management before.

“Allowed to stay open during the pandemic, there was a lot they had to implement in a very short space of time to operate in a covid-safe manner.

“Many had to flip their businesses to click and collect and delivery, serve at the door, introduce card payments and work in much smaller teams, but they did and they kept the nation fed including our elderly and vulnerable, those shielding and our key workers.

“This year’s judging criteria took into account these changes and we’re delighted to acknowledge that, despite the difficulties and added pressure, Linford’s Traditional Fish and Chips never let standards drop.

“During this pandemic they have been at the heart of their communities, with a smile on their faces and hot food in their hands.”