A popular East Lothian family chippy has been crowned one of the UK’s 50 Best Fish & Chip Takeaways of the year.
The only outlet in Edinburgh and the Lothians to make the prestigious list, East Coast in Musselburgh are over the moon to see their battered creations recognised.
Despite facing a difficult year, the eatery were able to wow a mystery diner who headed in for a fish supper, and rated them on all aspects from the food to the staff.
Run by Fry Magazine, the chippy is said to have quickly wowed the judge, and were praised for the "freshness and crispness of the batter" as well as environmentally friendly packaging and professional staff.
A slightly more upmarket chip shop, East Coast also have a restaurant that will be open when restrictions allow, but have still been selling fancier items such as lobster and prawn loaded fries from the takeaway.
Owned by Carlo and Katia Crolla, East Coast is the next chapter for the Crolla family, who have been serving Musselburgh from its venue on North High Street since 1974.
Carlo Crolla, owner of East Coast in Musselburgh, said:
“We’re over the moon to have been named one the UK’s 50 best fish and chip takeaways for the second year running and add yet another great award to our collection.
“It’s also a real honour for us and the whole East Coast team to have been recognised as the only fish & chips takeaway in Edinburgh and the Lothians to land a place on this list and help put East Lothian on the map as a real foodie destination.
“It’s quite common for businesses in smaller towns like Musselburgh to be overlooked in UK-wide competitions and not get the recognition they deserve, so it’s an amazing feeling to be able to successfully represent a business from Musselburgh on a national level in a competition with such a high benchmark."
Reece Head, Fry Magazine’s 50 Best Fish & Chip Takeaways competition organiser, added:
“Without doubt, the last 12 months have been tough for fish and chip takeaways and many will not have dealt with this level of crisis management before.
“Allowed to stay open during the pandemic, there was a lot they had to implement in a very short space of time to operate in a Covid safe manner. Many had to flip their businesses to click and collect and delivery, serve at the door, introduce card payments and work in much smaller teams, but they did and they kept the nation fed including our elderly and vulnerable, those shielding and our key workers.
“This year’s judging criteria took into account these changes and we’re delighted to acknowledge that, despite the difficulties and added pressure, East Coast never let standards drop. During this pandemic they have been at the heart of their communities, with a smile on their faces and hot food in their hands. We’re proud to have them in our 50 Best Fish & Chip Takeaways for 2021.”
