Fish and chip van named best in the country

The family-run business based in Stafford said it was proud of the national recognition

A fish and chip van in Stafford has been named as the best in the country after scooping a top spot in the National Fish and Chips Awards 2024.

Jojo's Fish and Chips was crowned the winner of the mobile operator of the year at a ceremony hosted by comedian Rob Beckett.

The awards were set up to celebrate the much-loved dish and recognise excellence throughout the industry, both in the UK and abroad.

"We're so proud to have represented Stafford, Staffordshire and the Midlands," Jojo's owner John Evans, 42, said.

The small family-run business opened a shop in the Weeping Cross area of the town in May 1999.

As its popularity grew, the team decided to take their recipes on the road and launched the "chippy van" in July 2021.

It has gone on to cater for events across the UK including weddings, fundraisers, birthday parties and corporate events.

Jojo's was also shortlisted in the same category last year, but did not win it.

The team narrowly lost out in the same category last year

Mr Evans told the BBC: "I'm on cloud nine, it's the pinnacle of what we do, we all strive to be the best and we've achieved that now.

"It's the biggest accolade you can win and I can't do that without a fantastic team, they are all friends and family to me.

"The secret to being the best is knowing your potatoes, the oil, the fish and knowing the chain of custody along with homemade mushy peas and tartare sauce, it's appreciated and noticed by customers."

Awards organiser and president of the National Federation of Fish Friers Andrew Crook said the sector had been badly affected by the cost of living crisis in recent years.

Despite that, he said chippies up and down the country, and overseas, were "thinking fast on their feet to defy the odds without compromising on ethical standpoints, quality and most importantly, great tasting fish and chips".