A HEREFORDSHIRE fish and chip shop has been named as one of the best in the UK for the fourth time in succession.

Fiddlers Elbow Fish & Chips, in Leintwardine, north of Leominster, has been acknowledged in a list of the 50 best takeaways.

The award follows a search by trade publication Fry Magazine to find the takeaways serving up the finest food.

Mystery judges visited each establishment to sample the food, and assess other key aspects of the business from the cleanliness of the premises, to staff knowledge and professionalism, to their social media presence.

With the pass mark set high at 96 per cent, Fiddlers Elbow scored an impressive 99 per cent with the mystery diner particularly praising the information for coeliacs, vegetarians and vegans with a comprehensive allergy chart.

This is the fourth time in successive awards that the shop has been recognised in this way. Owners Dominic Eusden and Linzi Morris said they were delighted.

Ms Morris said: "We are absolutely ecstatic to be nominated for this list for the fourth time in succession. It's been really difficult with all the restrictions around Covid, but awards like this are a great reward for the high standards we keep."

Mr Eusden added: "We put our achievements down to the hard work and dedication of our staff, to the fabulous support of our loyal customers and to never compromising on quality."

Competition organiser Reece Head said: “The awards recognise and celebrate the hard work, passion and dedication that these operators put into running their businesses."

“It’s been a tough couple of years for the industry, but operators continued to adapt, motivate their workforce and invest in new equipment and systems that have seen them come out the other side stronger and in a better position."