A SCOTS chip shop worker has officially been crowned the best young fish fryer in the UK.
Glen Morrison, 25, battled through months of intense competition on his way to the award, showing off his superior knowledge and frying skills.
Glen attended the final at the Park Plaza Hotel, London, on Thursday[/caption]
After getting his start at his fathers shop, The Garioch Fish Bar, in Inverurie, Glen is making waves as a fry cook – now officially leading the field[/caption]
Representing Garioch Fish Bar in Inverurie, Glen showed he was no small fry by beating three other finalists from Chester, Devon, and Yorkshire to the title.
The incredible story of his rise as a fryer began five years ago, after taking over the cooking duties from his father Murray, who was unable to fry having broken his ribs while caddying.
Now, half a decade and several awards later, he’s officially leading the UK in his field.
Delighted with his victory, Glen told the Press and Journal: “Winning the Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year is an unbelievable achievement for me but also for my family, my team and everyone who has supported me along the way.
“This award is a testament to the passion, hard work and commitment that go into running a top-quality fish and chip shop.
“The recognition we’ve received through these awards has helped more than double our turnover, proving that quality, consistency and a drive for excellence can truly transform a business, something that has become more than essential in today’s challenging climate.”
But despite the victory, Glen isn’t slowing down in pursuit of success, and furthering his career.
He added: “For me, this is just the beginning, I want to keep learning, innovating and helping to shape the future of this incredible industry.
“Fish and chips is more than just food, it’s tradition, community and a craft that deserves to be preserved and protected.
“The competition started in 1995 in memory of Malcolm Lee who always encouraged young people into the industry and that’s exactly what it’s doing.
“I hope my journey also inspires other young fryers to embrace the challenge, learn from the best and never stop striving for excellence.”
Andrew Crook, President of award organisers at the National Federation of Fish Fryers said: “All the signs are there that Glen is well on the way to being an absolute powerhouse in the fish and chip sector and we are proud of their brilliant achievements to date.”
Speaking to the Scottish Sun last month, Glen told how he got his start as a cook in his dads fish bar, under rather bizarre circumstances.
He said: “It wasn’t until the October 2019 when my dad slipped and broke his ribs while caddying that I took over the fryer.
“He had nobody else to go in and fry, so I was sort of chucked in at the deep end on a Friday night.
“It was really busy, and I had no prior experience – but at the time it was just sort of a bog standard shop.
With deep family ties to the shop, the success the fish bar has seen in the last half decade has motivated Glen to pursue a career in the family business.
He added: “I initially saw the impact of the sales, and that the shop was improving and getting busier and busier from the work I was doing.
“It’s had an incredible impact on my family’s life, and seeing the shop being more successful made me fall in love with it.
“The feedback from the customers is a huge motivator as well, having people come back and tell me how much they loved my food really pushed me on.
“I’m exceptionally fussy with what I send out, I want everything I make to be of the highest standard.
“Every year over the last five years we’ve had better awards, and national awards.
“When we started getting recognition we went from top 50, to top 40, and now top 20 this year – the last four years we’ve been in the top 50 fish and chip shops in the UK.”
Glen Morrison, 25, has officially been crowned the UK’s Best Young Fish Fryer of the Year[/caption]
