East Lothian chippy crowned as one of the UK’s 50 Best Fish and Chip Takeaways

One of East Lothian’s most popular fish and chip shops has been crowned one of the UK’s 50 Best Fish and Chip Takeaways of the year for the second year running and the only chippy in Edinburgh and the Lothians to make the prestigious list.

The fish and chip shop was the only one in Edinburgh and the Lothians to make the list

The accolade follows an extensive search by leading trade publication Fry Magazine to find those chippies serving up the finest fish suppers amidst a tough and challenging Covid year.

To make the list, East Coast on Musselburgh’s North High Street had to impress a mystery diner who visited unannounced and marked the chippy on over 40 aspects of their business, from the quality of the food and customer service to their social media presence and their Covid safe practices.

East Coast scored an impressive 97 per cent with the mystery diner particularly praising the freshness and crispness of the batter and the flakiness of North East Atlantic haddock, as well as the environmentally friendly packaging, the smart and professional staff, and Covid safe measures.

Owned by Carlo and Katia Crolla, East Coast is the next chapter for the Crolla family, who have been serving the honest folk of Musselburgh from its venue on North High Street since 1974.

Just a short walk from Fisherrow Harbour and Musselburgh beach, the upmarket East Coast takeaway also runs specials such as lobster with garlic butter and twice cooked chips, prawn loaded fries and monkfish scampi.

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 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 and 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.

“We’re committed to having a friendly team, being dedicated, having great knowledge of the industry whilst continuously wanting to improve, having very high standards and knowing what a consumer wants.

“We would like to dedicate this award to all our loyal customers, friends and team members who have supported us during a very challenging year and look forward to welcoming everyone back properly as restrictions are eased.”

Reece Head, Fry Magazine’s 50 Best Fish and 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.

“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.”

East Coast is also home to a popular Seafood and Grill restaurant, which is due to reopen at the end of April 2021.

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