Henley’s fish and chip shop has won a cluster of awards for its sustainable fare and even won accolades for the speed it prepares its food it and for the freshness of its ingredients
An unassuming fish and chip shop hidden on a housing estate has been voted one of the best in the country.
Henley’s of Wivenhoe in Chester was among the top three in the Quality Accreditation category of the National Fish and Chip Awards and was named one of the UK’s top 20 fish and chip shops. Staff are proud of the shop’s achievements and its team have been on multiple TV shows over the years. Owner David Henley appeared on the UK Food’s ‘Market Kitchen’ where he shared his top tips with viewers. And the firm “are committed to offering our customers the very best fish and chips possible in a clean and friendly environment.”
The food outlet broke the record for making the world ’s fastest portion of chips in 2007 during National Chip Week. EssexLive reports staff transformed a spud into chips in 3 minutes and 40 seconds. They competed against Italian TV chef Gino D’acampo on BBC ’s ‘Take on the Takeaway’. One TripAdvisor reviewer said: “excellent classic fish & chips, highly recommended. Fish batter was light and not greasy. Fish fresh. Chips lovely. Cooked to order and worth the wait.” She added that the staff were “polite and helpful in a busy very hot shop.”
A “unique wet fish display” where fresh fish is cooked in front of the customer is what makes the shop really stand-out. All chips are peeled and chipped fresh each morning, and they promise all of their fish has been carefully trimmed and de-boned. The company is known for its well-trained staff who are on-hand to help their customers “buy with confidence.” Customers preparing to order know how sustainable their chippy tea is and the shop’s ‘impact on the environment’ This has prompted an effort to ensure all ingredients sourced locally and sustainably.
The business is also careful to include a large range of varieties of fish. Often others in focus on one particular f type which can diminish their stocks. Because of the Henley’s sells Hake, Pollock, and Coley to help reduce the over-consumption of more popular fish like Cod. It has also been praised for the inclusion of gluten-free options on their menu which customers with intolerances can order ahead to ensure they aren’t left out of the fun. Henley’s is particularly passionate about supporting the local community and raising money for important charities.
They are proud to support causes such as Help for Heroes, Essex Air Ambulance, Marie Curie Cancer and more. They also sponsor local community groups such as Wivenhoe Football Team and a dance group from Colne Community School, which brought the Henley’s name as far afield as Broadway. Their sponsorship of a local university student even got their logo as far as Antarctica.
