A Cirencester eatery is one of three finalists in the National Fish and Chips Awards for Best Newcomer.

The Malt and Anchor in Castle Street reached the final after being appraised across a variety of judging criteria during November and December. These included innovative approaches to running a new fish and chip shop, promotional activities and approaches to sustainable and responsible sourcing.

They also received mystery shopping assessments by industry experts, evaluating both product quality and customer service levels.

The new Cotswold chippie will now compete against Fish and Chips @ Weston Grove in Cheshire and Quayside Restaurant & Fish Bar in Aberdeenshire to clinch the title, the UK's Best New Fish and Chip Shop.

Malt and Anchor director Dan Lafford said: "While everyone else has been enjoying their Christmas we have been hard at work trying to put ourselves in the best position to win this award. We have had further judging that included visits to our kitchen as well as further dining."

The winner will be announced at a glittering ceremony at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London on January 25. Dan remains extremely confident they can pick up the trophy.

"It is like the Oscars of frying, we can't wait to get there and represent not just Cirencester and the Cotswolds but the South of the country," he said.

To book a table at Malt and Anchor please call 01285 646343 or email: info@maltandanchor.co.uk

www.maltandanchor.co.uk