Wha's like us... Atlantic Fast Food

A VISIT to the seaside for most of us offers the epicurean opportunity to sample one of Scotland's traditional delights – the fish supper.

But you can forget North Berwick, Ullapool or Largs because thanks to the commitment, diligence and talent of Giovanni Fionda, Britain's best chippy is to be found in the post-industrial heartland of Coatbridge.

Fionda owns Atlantic Fast Food and upon accepting his award from the Seafish organisation for the best Chip Ship in the UK, he was generous enough to offer an insight into the secrets of his success – both practical ("Use British potatoes and keep your batter stored in the fridge") and philosophical ("You're only as good as the last fish supper you sold").

The Atlantic Fast Food's success once again debunks the myth that the best fish suppers are fried up beside the sea. And the victory maintains a splendid run of success for chippies in Scotland, following on from consecutive triumphs in the Seafish awards by the Townhead Cafe in Biggar (2007) and the Anstruther Fish Bar (2008).

When it comes to deep-fat frying skills it looks like the English, Welsh and the Irish have had their chips.