A PETERSFIELD chippy is hoping to batter the competition after reaching the regional finals of a national competition.

The accolades keep coming for Sea and Spud as the takeaway has reached the last 60 of the Fish and Chip Shop of the Year Award.

The Sheep Street business is one of six fish and chip shops from central and southern England to reach the stage.

The staff will have to wow a mystery diner to stand a chance of progressing, having already impressed with their sustainability, menu innovation, customer service, marketing and ability to cater for special dietary requirements.

Tim Kane, who took over the shop two years ago, is thrilled that Sea and Spud has reached the last 60 as the competition, run by Seafish, is recognised as the ‘Oscars’ of the fish and chip industry.

He said: “The customers aren’t involved because it’s an industry-wide competition.

“We don’t know when the mystery diner will come or how far we’ll get but we try our best every day. My staff and I can only keep on doing that and if we get further, then great, but, if not, then I’m proud we’ve got this far.”

While the takeaway is currently closed because of an electrical fire, this year has been a memorable one for Sea and Spud as it was named ‘Best Restaurant’ by the town’s public at the Petersfield Awards.

Chief executive officer at Seafish, Marcus Coleman said: “The calibre of finalists in this year’s Top 60 is extremely high and provides a true representation of the quality found within the fish and chip sector, perfectly summing up why British fish and chips are, and will always be, the best in the world.”

* The version of this article which appeared in a recent edition of the Post incorrectly stated that Sea and Spud is based on Lavant Street. We apologise for the error.