Nothing fishy here – E&S reporter Charlie proves award-winning Oldbury chippie is the best

Chamberlains Quality Fish and Chips, on the Wolverhampton Road in Oldbury, was officially named the takeaway of the year at The Food Awards in Manchester on November 17, fighting off stiff competition from other takeaways in the country including six in the West Midlands.

The 'takeaway' is not exactly your local chippie by the corner shop, however.

Since it opened in 2011 the fish bar, which also includes a full restaurant seating area, has been providing top-notch food as well as service.

Co-owner Dan Lynch said: "When we had the idea to start all we knew was that we wanted to provide good food.

"It was when we found the premises here that we decided a fish and chip takeaway and restaurant would be our best bet."

Dan, a chef by trade, said the name of the restaurant hadn't even been decided when they made the move into the new premises.

"We had a flyer come through the door on the first day which mentioned Neville Chamberlain, the Prime Minister, who was born nearby," Dan said.

"We thought it was a great local historical connection that local people could enjoy so we stuck with it."

The fish bar serves classic fish and chips and Dan said he believes several factors were important in the success of the business. Dan said: "It's all important, good food, good location and good service. We have only been open since 2011 but we have already won about 12 or 13 other awards."

The restaurant is in a prime position on the Wolverhampton Road and is a favourite with workers passing on their way home who can pop in, grab their dinner, and leave, according to Dan. The restaurant also opens on Sundays which he said people found strange at first.

"Many people couldn't believe we were open on Sundays," Dan said.

"It was getting them out of this roast dinner on Sundays mentality and into having fish and chips instead, but people absolutely love it now."

The restaurant, which has five-star hygiene rating from Sandwell Environmental Health, has also won several other awards during its short tenure, including a five-star quality rating which puts it in the top two per cent of fish and chip shops within the UK.

They also won the title of 'best chippie chips' in 2012 and in the same year were voted the 'best newcomer to the fish and chip industry' at the National Fish & Chip Awards.

And our reporter's verdict was in line with that. Charlie said: "Friendly and attentive staff as well as proper fish and chips that give you a taste of the seaside in Sandwell go a long way. It is definitely a thumbs up from me."

Customer Lynsey Bould said: "Chamberlains has lovely staff and gorgeous food.I intend to go for my dad's 80th birthday."