Shap Chippy’s mobile takeaway has been named as one of the UK’s top 10 by a leading industry magazine.
Shappy Wheels, based out of Appleby was the only mobile operator in Cumbria to make the list and its takeaway service made the UK’s top 50.
The lists, now in their ninth year, were compiled by Fry Magazine to find the chippies serving up the finest fish suppers amid a tough and challenging year.
To make the 50 best and top 10, the firms had to impress a mystery diner who visited unannounced and mark them 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, Shap Chippy scored 99 per cent with the mystery diner praising the exceptionally high quality of the food, great service and outstanding COVID safe measures.
Shappy Wheels achieved 98 per cent with the pass mark set at 92 per cent for mobile units.
“Ordering online was very easy, my order was ready on my arrival and piping hot! crispy batter and fluffy chips, they went down a treat,” was just one of the positive comments given by Shappy Wheels’ mystery diner, alongside praise for their customer service: “You could see the staff take great pride in what they serve and were very knowledgeable.”
Results in the top 50 are not ranked, with only a list of the 50 announced.
Shap Chippy and Shappy Wheels is owned by Matt and Ashley Phillips.
Matt said: “We are over the moon not just to win one but two awards its truly amazing, we are so proud of our teams that work so hard every day.”
Ashley added: “To achieve this in our first year of setting up Shappy Wheels is so great and a true testament of how hard the staff work.
“It’s very different being on the road to the shop, but we love it and so do our many customers.”
Reece Head, competition organiser, said: “Despite the difficulties and added pressure, Shap Chippy and Shappy 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.
“We’re proud to have them in our 50 Best Fish and Chip Takeaways for 2021 and UK’s 10 Best Mobile Units.”
The fish and chip shop is no stranger to awards, having been named second in the Best Fish and Chip Shop Awards last year. It won the title of Best Fish and Chip Shop in Cumbria at the England Business Awards in 2019.
Matt and Ashley launched Shappy Wheels in May of last year. It visits villages across the Eden Valley and customers have the option to pre-order their fish suppers on the firm’s website or app.
Last month, the fish and chip shop expanded and opened Shap Pizzas next door to its existing premises.
At the time, Ashley said: “To be expanding our brand during this pandemic is unprecedented and we would not have been able to do it without the support of our amazing team.”
