A UK chippie voted one of the best in England has revealed its secret to success – and it's all in the batter.
The award-winning Gipsy Lane Chippery, located on a Leicester high street, has been a fan favourite with hungry locals for nearly 50 years.
Family-run by Danielle and Anton Mappouras, the popular takeaway has already earned itself the prestigious title of best chip shop in the East Midlands.
It came after the much-loved chippie put their delicious food to the test as part of England's Business Awards 2023.
The hardworking couple are now through to the finals, in which the winners will be crowned next month.
The Mappouras family could become the best fish and chip shop in England if they prove victorious.
Read More
MAKE A MEAL OF IT
Brits reveal favourite summer meal – it's NOT fish & chips at the seaside
SEA YOU THERE
Seaside town which locals say has the ‘best fish and chips in the world’
When asked what makes their fish and chip portions superior, Danielle had a theory.
"My husband is the only one who makes the batter, I've been trying by his side for 17 years, but I still can't make it how he does," she told The Sun Online.
"He's just got that knack, whether the weather is hot or cold, he knows how much of one thing or another to put in.
"His batter is the one, everyone says it.
Most read in The Sun
SECURITY SHOCK
Big Brother house ‘locked down’ as panicked bosses scramble to stop breach
HEL ON EARTH
Helen Skelton breaks silence on marriage split with Richie Myler
INVISIBLE HAZARD
Last pic of toddler on balcony shows hidden danger before deadly plunge
UNITED WE STAND
UK sends warships and Marines as US & Germany help Israel’s blitz on Gaza
"The secret to success is definitely hard work and commitment.
"We've been here 50 years now, we've not changed anything we keep working hard with high standards, and customers are happy.
"Our fish are large, we don't try and cut back on the size, it's large compared to most. The quality is always the best, we don't cut corners.
"We've been here such a long time, people trust us, they know they will come and have a nice meal.
"If they're having a family get together they'll ask, what are we having and say 'a Gipse Lane'.
Danielle's favourite part of running the business is their devoted customers, who come back time and time again.
She said: "When you're absolutely shattered and having a bad day, a chat with them can put a smile on your face."
FAMILY ACHIEVEMENT
The dedicated owner said scooping the title of England's best chip shop would be a "mega" achievement for the whole family.
"After so many years in business it would be absolutely mega, this is the first time we've been involved in anything like this," Danielle continued.
"To take this crown it would be such an achievement for the whole family, especially the children.
"They're long and awkward hours, they miss out because we're working and can't be there for some things, so even they're rallying around it, it will be massive for them."
This comes as the UK’s top 40 fish and chip shops were revealed – did yours made the cut?
They include chippies in Cumbria, Durham, Lancashire and Yorkshire.
Meanwhile, winners of the 2023 National Fish & Chip Awards were announced in London at the Park Plaza earlier this year.
Ranked number-one in the Fish & Chip takeaway of the Year award was Whitehead's Fish & Chips in Hornsea, Yorkshire.
Second place went to Fish Kitchen 1854, in Maesycwmmer, Wales.
Finally, in third place was The Fish Works, located in Largs, near Glasgow.
The Top 40 finalists of Fish and Chip Takeaway of the Year are:
Cumbria
Angel Lane Chippie – Penrith
Lancashire
Westgate Fish & Chips – Morecambe
Westend Fish and Chips – Oswaldtwistle
County Durham
Yarm Road Fish and Chips – Darlington
Yorkshire
Lighthouse Fisheries of Flamborough – Bridlington
The Fish Bank – Sherburn-in-Elmet
Auckley Friery – Doncaster
Mr C's – Selby
Lincolnshire
Catch 22 – Tattershall
Angells Fisheries – Newark-on-Trent
Pips chips – Cleethorpes
Marina Fish & Chips – Skegness
Linfords Traditional Fish and Chips – Market Deeping
Greater Manchester
Eastleigh Town Street Fryer – Marple Bridge
Chips @ No.8 – Prestwich
Cheshire
Hooked on the Heath – Knutsford
Herefordshire
Fiddlers Elbow Fish & Chips – Leintwardine
Bristol
Bishopston Fish and Chips
Norfolk
French's Fish Shop – Wells-next-the-Sea
Essex
The Fish Inn Clacton – Clacton-on-Sea
Henley's of Wivenhoe – Wivenhoe
Johnny Macs – Colchester
London, Kent, Surrey
Stones Fish & Chips – London
Newington Fish Bar – Ramsgate
Sandy's Fish and Chip Shop – Folkestone
Lewis’s Fish and Grill – Maidstone
Seafare – Guildford
Oxfordshire
Harrisons Fish & Chip Co. Botley – Oxford
Hampshire
Mike’s Traditional Fish & Chips – Bishopstoke
James Backhouse – New Milton
Wales
Posh Fish and Chip Company – Cardiff
Fintans Fish & Chip Co – Cardiff
Hennighan's Fish & Chip Shop – Machynlleth
Finneys Fish & Chips – Benllech
Ship Deck – Caerphilly
Zero Plus Fish & Chips – Cardiff
Scotland
The Wee Chippy – Anstruther
Garioch Fish Bar – Inverurie
Read More on The Sun
HARVEY WORRY
Katie Price’s heartbreak as son Harvey returns to hospital
MY AGONY
I assumed tiny marks all over my son were a rash – his story could save others
The Fish Works – Largs
Northern Ireland
Chipmongers – Portstewart
Source: Read Full Article