A FISH AND CHIP outlet in Cirencester has been revealed as one of five other businesses to have made it to the finals of a national award.

Malt & Anchor, located in Castle Street, Cirencester, has been unveiled as a finalist for the Restaurant of the Year accolade in The National Fish & Chip Awards, organised by the National Federation of Fish Friers.

It follows months of tasks, interviews and inspections by industry specialists, who will crown one of the finalists at an awards ceremony next year.

The other shortlisted businesses are located in County Durham, Devon, London and Tyne and Wear.

Up next for the challengers is a mystery visit section of the competition, which will serve as the decider for the title.

The winning restaurant will be announced on February 26 at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London hotel.

Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers, said: “The choice available in the restaurant space means fish and chip operators must pull out all the stops to stand out and attract customers.

“We can safely say that we have found a group of business-owners that are very accomplished in doing that and a whole lot more.

“Our finalists have such detailed focus on product-refinement and skills-honing that they are creating high-end fish and chips and dining experiences that can’t be denied.

“What a final Restaurant of the Year is going to be.”