A fish and chip shop owner has been making waves in Norway as part of a trip of a lifetime.

Harlees Fish and Chips, which operates in Poole Quay, Verwood, Swanage and Corfe Mullen, was recently touted as one of the top chippies in the UK at the 2023 National Fish & Chip Awards.

To further mark its success after battering stiff competition to take home the ‘best multiple operator award’, director Richard Long was invited on the educational trip to visit the western shores of Norway.

Joined by eight other category award winners representing the best of the best in British fish and chips, Richard visited the port city of Ålesund to discover the facts surrounding one of the largest cod stocks in the world.

Richard, who runs the business with daughter Kaylee Herbert, said: “The National Fish and Chip Awards are extremely important to our business.

“We use it as a benchmark to see where we are heading and it’s great to be judged by people who don’t know you but are experts within the industry.

Bournemouth Echo: Norwegian frozen at sea vessel AtlanticNorwegian frozen at sea vessel Atlantic (Image: Norwegian Seafood Council  )

“Winning this award has meant an awful lot to me personally. One of my goals has always been to get a national award, but to win best multiple operator has been fantastic. I’m third generation and took on the business 25 years ago from my dad – I just wish he could have seen me win, as he would have been really proud.

“The trip to Norway was absolutely amazing. I have such love for this country, the seafood, the people, the culture – it really is the pinnacle of a seafood nation.”

The winners’ time in Ålesund provided insight into how Norwegian cod and haddock is responsibly caught, frozen-at-sea within a matter of hours, and delivered to UK fryers.

Norwegian Seafood Council UK director Victoria Braathen added: “This trip proved a fantastic opportunity for the top ambassadors of the fish and chip industry to witness first-hand why origin matters when it comes to sustainable seafood.

“I hope Richard returned armed with sustainable seafood know-how, and enjoys sharing stories of his Norwegian adventures with Harlees Fish and Chips’ loyal customers.”