A chippy van in Chesham and Amersham was awarded a prestigious spot on UK’s 50 Best Fish and Chip Takeaways list after mystery dining judges loved the friendly staff.

The fried delights from Howe and Co Fish and Chips Van 19 were tried by anonymous judges over two rounds during the competition by trade publication Fry Magazine.

Key business aspects like cleanliness, staff knowledge, professionalism and even social media presence were put under the judges’ magnifying glass, and they had to score over 96 percent to pass.

The mobile van serving the Chesham and Amersham area scored over 98 percent.

The mystery shopper explained their decision: “The food was freshly cooked, the batter was perfect, food was packaged well and withstood the journey home.

“The staff were very helpful, polite and professional. 

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After a “rollercoaster journey” because of van issues and the Covid pandemic, the Van’s small four person team didn’t first know what to make of the winning news, Danni Robinson, Manager of Howe and Co Van 19, said.

She said: “When my partner, Van 19’s Director, Richard Mattlock received the email he couldn’t read it.

“I opened it and as I read it out loud we both jumped from our seats.”

“Our success really is down to our customers, many of which are like friends. Their continued support through the good and bad times really makes this all worthwhile.”

Competition organisers said fish and chip takeaways were forced to up their game to match the demand from sharply increased home deliveries like ‘click and collect’ as a result of the pandemic.