A CHIPPY that has been trading for only a year has been named as one of the UK’s best fish and chip shops.

Fat Boys Fish and Chips, in Holton Road, Barry, has been awarded the renowned Good Food Award for Fish and Chips 2020.

The shop was one of 13 shortlisted in Wales, having “demonstrated exceptional levels of food quality, service and value when compared to industry benchmarks.”

The executive editor of the Good Food Awards said: "With some 535,912 eating establishments within the UK, competition for our Good Food Award was unsurprisingly tough.

"A record number of UK food premises brought a record number of entrants and winners.

“Some 10,277 votes were cast for the finalists by readers, customers and fans alike."

Fat Boys owner-director, Leighton Norris, of Barry Island, said: “We opened on October 29 last year.

“I took redundancy from the Royal Bank of Scotland. Prior to that I was in the army, in finance, before mortgage adviser.

Mr Norris, 40, decided to put his redundancy and savings to a food-based venture.

“I wanted to do something new,” he said. “I thought ‘fish and chip shop’.”

He embarked on a National Federation of Fish Friers course, in Lincoln, and learnt all the techniques.

Then with the moral support of partner Anthony Coombs, he set up in the town centre.

“He (Anthony) thought I was a little bit crazy,” Mr Norris said. “I set up in Holton Road because I am a Barry person and I wanted my business to be quite close to where I live.

“I wanted to work with people in Barry.”

The chippy’s menu offers options not traditionally on the menu – such as American milkshakes, burgers; battered oreos and an ice-cream dip; battered Quality Streets with ice-cream; and a jumbo battered pig in blanket.

He said: “We offer affordable, quality food.

“The chips are blanched and basket fried – a little bit different to other chip shops in Barry.

“I like a seafood box – I don’t believe any other chip shop in Barry does one."

Mr Norris said he’d not opened the email informing him of the success.

“A potato supplier rang me and said: “Congratulations”.

“I said: “On what?” and he sent me the link.

“We’ve had a good reaction.

“Our customers have been brilliant.

“I want to thank the people of Barry for all their support.

“It’s through them that we are still here.”

Find FatBoysBarry on Facebook.