Chippie reels in award for top fish shop

Albany chippie Ocean and Paddock has reeled in the top prize at the Australian Fish and Chip Awards, being named best fish and chip restaurant in the state.

The Albany restaurant was announced as the winner of the prestigious Judges’ Choice category at the WA Seafood Industry Awards in Fremantle on Thursday night.

Undercover judges based their overall scores on taste (40 per cent), service (30 per cent), choice (10 per cent), information (10 per cent) and presentation (10 per cent).

The win came after the restaurant won the People’s Choice category for WA’s most popular chippie in the same competition last year.

Restaurant co-owner Trenton Brennan said being recognised as WA’s best chippie had confirmed Albany’s place as a food and beverage hub.

Mr Brennan, who owns the restaurant with wife Rebecca, said he believed their use of local fish helped them to stand above the competition.

“It’s all local Albany fish, even in our basic packages,” he said.

“Albany’s got such great seafood we don’t find we have to look further afield for fish.”

He thanked customers, staff and suppliers for their part.

“They’ve been so supportive and we truly appreciate everything everyone has done to help us,” he said.

Pinjarra Fish and Chips won the People’s Choice category by popular vote.

Albany has dominated the Australian Fish and Chip Awards in WA since their inception in 2017, when Ocean and Paddock won the Judges’ Choice and People’s Choice gongs.

The Brennans relinquished the Judges’ Choice crown last year to cross-town rival Hooked on Middleton Beach.

Ocean and Paddock’s win means the restaurant will be in contention to become national champions in October — a title held by Hooked on Middle Beach.