Elite by name, elite by nature – we think so anyway. Here are seven facts about our award-winning business that we think you should know if you don’t already…

1. Three’s the magic number: The Elite Fish and Chip Company is now in its third generation of family business

Husband and wife duo, David and Freda, opened the first fish and chip takeaway back in Huddersfield in 1972, unknowingly starting what was to be a very successful and popular brand.

Only a few years later, their 15-year-old son, Adrian, followed in their fish and chip footsteps and the second Elite takeaway soon followed. Sixteen years later, the first restaurant opened in Ruskington, Lincolnshire, and then again in Lincoln. The role was then passed down to third generation fryer, Rachel, who as manager, opened a third restaurant in Sleaford.

2. Sustainable fishing will always have a plaice in our hearts

We pride ourselves on sourcing fish from the North East Atlantic sea in sustainable fishing grounds (making us MSC certified). The fish are frozen at sea within six hours of being caught and we work hard to trace every piece of fish that we serve (even down to the vessel it was caught in), so you get the highest quality of food freshly served. Look out for the ship’s names on display in each of our branches!

3. We support local produce – there’s nothing fishy about where it comes from (well, there’s definitely fish)

Now, we wouldn’t be an award-winning fish and chip shop if our chips weren’t as perfect as our fish, would we? We locally source all our potatoes to make the mouth-watering combination we’ve been proudly serving for over 40 years. 

4. We like raising money… and got a bit curried away!

In 2013 we celebrated 25 years in business, so to mark the moment we aimed to raise £25,000 for five local charities. This appeared to be just too easy for us and we raised over £27,000. So just five years later, and now celebrating over 30 years in business in Lincolnshire, we’ve challenged ourselves to raise £30,000 for three local charities. If you fancy ‘chipping’ in, visit http://www.elitefishandchips.com/news/ for more information.

5. We’re award-winning (and definitely not fishing for compliments)

It’s amazing to see all our hard work recognised. Not only did we make it through to the regional finals for three National Family Business Awards this year, we’ve been shortlisted for all three, too - Family Business of the Year, Best to Work For, and Customer Service. We’ve also won:

• Drywite Young Fish Fryer of the Year;
• Choice Chip Award for Best Chippy Chips;
• Seafish Enterprise Multiple Award Winners;
• ITV Calendar Fish and Chip Shop of the Year, and
• Red Ribbon Awards 2014 CSR Award;
• Heart of the Community;
• Sleaford Town Business of the Year;
• ‘Big Heart’ at the Lincolnshire Media Business Awards;
• Fry Magazine Top 10 Takeaways
• Fry Magazine Top 10 Restaurants
• FSB Award for ‘Family Business of the Year’ for the East Midlands

Phew - that’s a pretty impressive list! 

6. Is there anything batter than consistency?

For 40 years we have been using the same traditional home-made batter from Elite’s founding takeaway from 1972, and we don’t plan on changing it! The recipe is, of course, our secret, but we can guarantee it’ll be just as good every time you come along – we’re reliable like that. 

7. We don’t solely serve fish and chips

Although we love to rave about our award-winning fish and chips, we do like to cater for all by providing a range of other tasty food on our menu. From burgers to salads, and sausages to puddings, there’s all sorts to choose from and tuck in to. What’s better is we also have an alcohol licence, so carpe diem and join us for a beverage or two and a plate of the finest food around!