When a fish and chip shop is handed a prestigious Good Food Award, signs suggest that their sausages might be worth a try.

In fact, Sonny’s Traditional Fish and Chips on Sandy Lane in Fair Oak sells more than 850 of their sausages per week, and their 10 members of staff believe keeping everything fresh is the secret.

Manager Lenny Harris, 42, previously told the Echo that anything left out for more than 10 minutes is "not good enough to be sold".

Freshness has to be tasted to be believed so I made my way to Sandy Lane for lunch.

I had my heart set on a ‘lunchtime special’ before I arrived – a sausage, portion of chips and drink – which only cost an appetising £5.50.

READ MORE: Chippy that sells more than 850 sausages a week wins award

But when I saw the ‘chicken box meal’ on the menu, I knew that chips and two battered chicken fillets for £7 needed to be tried.

Inside Sonny's Traditional Fish and Chips on Sandy Lane.Inside Sonny's Traditional Fish and Chips on Sandy Lane. (Image: Newsquest) The friendly staff were happy to chat and despite being among other customers in the shop I did not have to wait long.

I watched as the chef poured a generous amount of salt and vinegar onto my chips before sliding in the chicken fillets and an extra sausage that I had ordered.

It was surprising to see that Sonny’s even offers catering for events and weddings in Southampton, but when I opened the box, I quickly discovered why.

A chicken box meal with an extra sausage.A chicken box meal with an extra sausage. (Image: Newsquest) Two massive pieces of chicken sat on top of a solid layer of chips, with a piping hot sausage slotted next to it.

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It was not the biggest portion of chips in the world, but considering how fluffy and fresh they are, they were worth every penny.

The staff from Sonny's Traditional Fish and Chips standing with their Good Food Award.The staff from Sonny's Traditional Fish and Chips standing with their Good Food Award. (Image: Newsquest) The small ones were crispy, the bigger ones had a good texture and the chicken was crunchy but fell apart when poked with my wooden chip fork.

A couple of customers came in asking for their usual when I was sat waiting too – I can see why they would want to come back.

Their scampi with homemade tartare will be one I look to try next time, but the extra sausage I ordered was piping hot and not too greasy.