A BELOVED fish and chip shop which has been serving Westcliff residents for more than 50 years has been named as one of the best in the country.
Oldhams Fish Restaurant, in West Road, is one of just two chippies in south Essex to receive the “Gold Seal” achievement at the Good Food Awards 2024/25.
The business is joined at the awards by the Cod’s Pollocks, in High Road, South Benfleet, which was given a Blue Ribbon award despite only opening six months ago.
Both awards are based on food quality, service, and value, ranked by customers.
Oldhams was first opened back in 1967 by Rodney Oldham, when he was just 21. It is now run by his son, Bradley, who took over in 2009.
After receiving this new award, Bradley said: “It is voted for by the customers, so it is such a vote of confidence in us, which is lovely and remarkable.
“It has not been the easiest of recent with prices and everything going up, but we try to still keep the costs for customers reasonable, and we still do the lunchtime specials we did years ago.
“So, hopefully that keeps people coming back. We have got our regulars too, the same people coming in the same week, the same orders.
“We have created that family community feel.
“It is also thanks to my team, who work so hard too.
“These awards are special and are a big help to the business. People tend to Google and things like this award help people find us, visit and hopefully become regulars.”
Bill Oldham, Rodney’s dad, started selling shellfish in the East End of London before opening one of the first fish and chip shops in the area in 1950.
The family moved to Essex in the early sixties, and son Rodney bought Supreme Fish Bar in West Road, Westcliff in 1967.
The Gold Seal award is bestowed upon those achieving consistently high customer ratings and votes over a threeyear period.
The Blue Ribbon, given to the Cod’s Pollocks, is based on reviews over the last year
The owner, Mr Angeli added: “We are absolutely ecstatic.
“We are proud to serve the best fish and chips to the lovely, friendly Benfleet community.”
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