Fish and chips are up there as one of the UK’s favourite dishes so it seems apt that it has it’s own day where it can be celebrated and it’s another excuse to get yourself to the chippy!
In partnership with Seafood from Norway, The Staff Canteen went to award winning Millers Fish and Chips in Haxby near York last week on National Fish and Chip Day, to meet father and son team Nick and David Miller…. hoping to find out the secret to ‘the best fish and chips’.
Millers has been running for four generations and Nick is the latest in the family to take the reins. His dad David has worked there for 35 years but he is very excited to watch his son take the business to ‘another level’.
“It’s great to see, I think having young people working in this industry, like Nick, is fantastic.
“I’ve supported him and said ‘go, I’m right behind you’."
On Seafood From Norway
After a challenging year the Norwegian Seafood Council wanted to celebrate this famous dish and the hard-working people in the industry. They regard themselves as ‘partner for the British Fish and Chip industry' and they have taken many of those who work in the industry to Norway over the years to see how the fish is caught and to meet the fishermen and women.
Millers switched to Seafood from Norway around seven years ago, David said: “People come in to the restaurant now and say ‘that’s some of the best fish and chips we’ve ever had’. And that’s the money for us.
“Nick and I have been lucky to go out to the vessels and see the passion which goes into it. We know the crew and the crew even know when they are fishing for us.
“Their product is outstanding and to me it’s very sustainable and I think that’s a massive shout in today’s world. Young people especially want to know where your fish is from, how are you getting it, what are you doing to my planet, are you looking after it?”
He added: “It’s not just about quality it’s also about sustainability and Seafood From Norway are masters at it.”
Nick said: “The product has to be superior and for us it’s consistent, we literally call it white gold in the shop and we absolutely love working with it.” “
It’s just a class act,” added David. “It stands above shoulders for me and I’ve worked with a lot of fish over the years.”
What’s the secret to award winning fish and chips?
So how do you make sure you create award winning fish and chips?
“That is a secret,” said David. “We can tell you, but you won’t be able to leave here!”
Nick says a lot of it is hard work, which will get you so far and then you need to ‘have a passion for it’.
“You’ve really got to put your heart and soul into it,” he said. “It’s about the experience for the customer – having gone through the hardships of the past 18 months we’ve had to go from strength to strength to deliver an even better experience for them.
“We are very proud of that and we have a great team and we couldn’t do this without them.
“It’s an extended family and you know when you come to us it’s a genuine face which is going to hand you those fish and chips."
Haddock or cod?
And if they had to order fish and chips, what would they go for…..
“Haddock,” said David. “Cooked in beef dripping with nice blanched, second fried chips!”
To find out more about Seafood from Norway, the products they offer and inspiring recipes go to: www.seafoodfromnorway.co.uk
