Much-loved chippy named one of the best in the country

Hooked on the Heath in Knutsford has been named as one of the UK's top quality fish and chip shops in an official guide published by vinegar brand Sarson's.

This chippy has already made the list of the country's top 50 fish and chip shops in the National Fry Awards.

Each year the National Federation of Fish Friers join forces with Sarson's to rank the top chippies in the Uk based on a thorough assessment of the premises and equipment, working practices, hygiene standards and management controls, as well as the quality and taste of the fish and chips.

Hooked on the Heath on Northwich Road is one of only four in Cheshire.

Owner Craig Buckley, 35, puts his success down to maintaining consistent high standards.

The dad-of-two said: "There is no secret recipe. You need to have excellent customer service and organise and run the shop really well.

"We don't have a huge menu, we just do fish and chips really well.

"You must pay attention to detail and do the best you can."

Craig prides himself in using top quality ingredients and ensures their packaging is recyclable.

"We source sustainable sea fish that is caught, processed and frozen in four hours," he said. "All the freshness is locked in. It is the most expensive premium product that most chefs prefer.

Craig Buckley, with his senior team Vicky Woodfinden and Ethan Battisson

"We buy large size size cod because it is more sustainable."

Only the best will do.

"It's the whole package," said Craig, who opened his first chippy when he was 21. "All the details add up and make a difference.

"Everything is done from scratch. We make all our homemade pies and our own sauces and ingredients to go with it.

"People see us open at 12 but don't realise all the hard hours of work that go into it. At 8am I'm picking up veg for our pies and still cleaning down the shop at 10pm. On Fridays, I work a 14 hour day."

Hooked on the Heath opened in 2019 and was a former public loo.

"We spent a lot of money, time and effort renovating it," said Craig, who employs more than 20 staff. "We're in a really good location beside the Heath.

"In the summer, customers brought their own plates and sat on the park with prosecco and fish and chips."

Craig and partner Victoria welcomed the arrival of son Freddie six weeks ago and have a three-year-old daughter Lillie.