Stewarton chip shop hope to bag award

Sep 26 2008 by Lizzie Struthers, Kilmarnock Standard

Chip shop hopes to batter opposition

A STEWARTON chippy is hoping to bag a top national award.

The Chip Box, in Rigg Street, is frying high after making it to the regional finals of the National Fish and Chip Shop of the Year competition 2008.

Shop owner Ronnie McCulloch believes it’s the shop's fresh haddock and crispy batter, made with a secret recipe, that makes his fish supper the best in the land.

The shop battered the competition last year to be named in Scotland’s top ten chippies.

Ronnie, who has been frying for 35 years, said: "I'm quietly confident that this year we could go all the way and win it.

"It is all about the food and we try to make it the best we possibly can."

The Chip Box has a menu to suit all tastes with dishes ranging from breaded prawns to lemon chicken goujons.

Ronnie, 60, joked: “I have to admit my favourite is the traditional fish supper.”

The food attracts regular custom from far and wide.

“We have a good passing trade here too,” said Ronnie.

Even celebrities like Rangers striker Stevie Naismith and actor Gregor Fisher, who played Rab C Nesbitt, drop in for their fish supper.

The shop also has an excellent record on food hygiene. It was the first chip shop in Scotland and the first business in East Ayrshire to receive an Eat Safe award.

The Chip Box, which is open seven days a week, also does its bit for the environment by donating its old chip fat to be used as a fuel on the green Bio bus.

Ronnie, who owns the shop with his wife Margaret, started out in a chippy in Hurlford. The couple moved their business to Stewarton 26 years ago. Their daughter Donna, 34, is also often seen behind the Chip Box counter.

A mystery judge will visit the shop in the next stage in the competition to test and score it on factors including the quality of their fish and chips, customer service and hygiene.

The regional winner will be announced next month.