Andy's Fish Bar on Sysonby Street, Melton Mowbray is one of just 6 finalists for the Midlands B region (covering the whole of Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire) for the 2008, National Fish and Chip Shop of the Year Competition. Andy's Fish Bar, owned by Yan Sozugecen and Nik Gowin now faces a tough next round. Yan was interviewed today on Radio Leicester by Tony Wadsworth and he explained some of the secrets of his success. "It's all about using the best products," he says. "The fish must have a crispy batter and be white and flaky on the inside; chips need to be crisp on the outside and white and fluffy inside. There is a fine line as to how long you keep your chips in your hot box, because you also need to have them ready when the customer wants them."

In the next round, Andy's Fish Bar will face the 'Mystery Shopper'. The judges will visit unannounced to buy fish and chips. They will take them away for testing. They then return to the shop, announce themselves and check up on lots of other important features of the Fish and Chip Shop including customer service and hygiene. Andy's Fish Bar should have no problems there! Having been recently refurbished the chip shop looks great and it is meticulously clean - Yan told me that he supervises himself - not like some owners, who leave others to clean up and go home. As you would expect, the Fish and Chips are simply......delicious! Yan started in the Fish and Chip Shop on Sysonby Street when he was just 13, so he definitely has worked his way up to the top of the trade. He loves the business, including chatting to his regulars and meeting new people.

Just after the interview ended, two hampers arrived in the BBC Radio Leicester Office, and they caused quite a commotion! Nik had arrived from Andy's Fish Bar to ensure that the radio team could taste first hand just how good their fish and chips were! The hampers were laden with fish and chips, batter sausages, pineapple fritters - and as you would expect. the radio team's judgement was.....absolutely delicious!

The competition finalist will be announced in January - GOOD LUCK TO ANDY'S FISH BAR!