CAERPHILLY fish and chip shop, Ship Deck, has visited Norway on a once-in-a-lifetime study trip to learn more about responsibly sourced seafood and the impact it can have for the future of the local business.
Crowned the UK’s best fish and chip shop at the coveted National Fish and Chip Awards, hosted by the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF) earlier this year, Ship Deck impressed judges with the commitment they have shown to producing the nation’s favourite dish.
The Norwegian Seafood Council, proudly representing Seafood from Norway, along with Norwegian Frozen at Sea, welcomed Ship Deck along with 11 other winning fish and chip shops to Ålesund, Norway as part of an educational study trip to showcase responsibly sourced cod and haddock – the two most popular species used by British fish and chip shops.
The three-day seafood study trip immersed the winners in Norwegian fishing culture, and gave the award winners a chance to see first-hand where and how their produce is responsibly caught in Norway’s cold, clear waters aboard Frozen at Sea vessel, Østerfjord.
Ryan Hughes, owner of Ship Deck spoke about the trip: “Winning the awards has been a life changing event. We’re a busy shop – we’ve always been a busy shop – but we’ve pretty much doubled our trade since winning. We’re passionate about what we do and we strive to serve the best quality product and give the best customer service.
“The amount of visitors we now get driving miles and miles to enjoy our fish and chips is remarkable. The National Fish and Chip Awards has not only been good for my business, but many of the other businesses in the area – it gets people talking about the nation’s favourite dish, fish and chips.”
He added: “Sustainability is at the heart of our business, and in the roots of what we do. I’ve been in the fish and chip industry since I was 13 years old, and I’d like to be in it for the rest of my working life. Hopefully the next generation, my children, will one day want to take over the business, and so it’s important that we use not only sustainable seafood, but sustainable products more generally to look after our environment for the future.
“The trip has been amazing, the scenery is breath-taking. To see the passion and care behind the product we serve has been incredible – the fisherman put their heart and soul into it. To be aboard the vessel, and see the family operation behind it, you really get that feeling of community. It’s mind-blowing the efforts they put into sustainable fishing.”
Victoria Braathen, Norwegian Seafood Council UK Director, said: “Together with our Norwegian seafood stakeholders it’s been an absolute pleasure and truly inspiring to host Ship Deck on this educational study trip to Norway.
“We hope Ryan is able to take his new knowledge back to his customers, and continue Ship Deck’s impressive journey to serve us their award winning fish and chips while demonstrating why responsibly sourced seafood is important for the environment and for the future of fish and chip shops in the UK. We’re sure he’ll enjoy regaling his customers with tales about where their fish has come from!”
To experience Ryan’s award winning, responsibly sourced fish and chips, head over to Ship Deck in Trethomas, Caerphilly.
