Celebrating some of the region's top chip shops for National Fish and Chip Day

Despite 2020 being a year like no other, this amazing industry, at the centre of their communities, adapted the way they operate to ensure they could continue to keep the nation fed, just as they did during two world wars.

This annual not-for-profit event is championed by trade organisation, The National Edible Oil Distributors Association (NEODA) who represent all the major refiners, key packers and distributors of edible oils as well as suppliers of non-oil products (such as batter mix, sausages, packaging, range manufacturers and potato preservatives) in the UK.

Speaking about this year’s event, NEODA President, Gary Lewis said: “National Fish and Chip Day 2020 was always going to be very different to previous years and none of us really knew what to expect.

"The focus was very much on the resilience of the fish and chip sector and wow, did that shine through on the day!

"We were completely bowled over by the number of shops, both those who have previously celebrated the day with us, but especially the many new shops, who got involved in any way they could.

"We are delighted that so many shops, hard hit by the pandemic, embraced their special day and threw everything they had at it.

"Fish and chips will remain at the centre of every community and we are delighted to be able to bring this very special awareness day to the nation again in 2021.”

Alison Clarke, from Broughton, shared a photo of a recent fish and chip purchase from Chris's Chippy in Hawarden.

In celebration of this classic British dish, the Leader asked its readers to tell us about their favourite chippy.

The response was amazing, and while it was just for fun, we have decided to continue our mission to support local business, and highlight a couple from Wrexham and Flintshire that really seemed to have plenty of fans.

Jones's Chip Shop & Cafe, on St George's Crescent, in Wrexham, proved the most popular with readers, clocking up a massive amount of mentions.

Emma, from the shop, said: "Honestly, I’m overwhelmed. We are so lucky to have such amazing customers!"

Over the border in Flintshire, a top crowd-pleaser was revealed as Chris's Chippy, in Hawarden.

And coming in a close second was The Master Fryer Queensferry, on Station Road, which has been a family affair for the last 23 years.

Finally, back over in Wrexham, was Josie's Chip Shop, in Rhosymedre. Antony Joseph's parents started the business back in 1981, being a much-loved part of the community for 40 years. It's also home to the famous bread chip cone, one to add to any must-try list.

There were of course many, many more chip shops mentioned, way more than I think any of us even realised existed.

So give yourself the night off from cooking, celebrate National Fish and Chip Day, and do your bit to help support local business.