Staff at a fish and chip shop in West End have said they are “really pleased to be recognised” on the Daily Echo Fish and Chip Shop of the Year shortlist, with times “tougher than ever.”

Best Fry in West End celebrated its 14th birthday on Friday with owner John-Henry Lee delighted the business is still the “heart of the community” despite challenging setbacks for business owners, following the Covid-19 pandemic and cost-of-living crisis.

Speaking to the Echo, John-Henry said: “It’s great for the staff to get recognised for their hard work.

“It’s probably tougher than ever with prices for everything going up and businesses still needing to make a profit. You can see that some people’s spending habits have changed and perhaps they’re spending a bit less money.

“We really care about our work and our customers, we don’t cut any corners, and we have great relationships with people in the community, some of which will see us every day.”

Having cooked his first piece of fish at age 11, the now 42-year-old, has spent his working life dedicated to serving the best food possible, as well as creating the best experience for customers.

He said: “We still have our regulars that will come into the shop on a Friday or Saturday night.

“I’ve taken more of a back seat in recent years and work behind the scenes, but I’ll always try and greet people and have a chat.

“It’s surprising but for some people, it may have been one of the few conversations they’ve had that day, and we want to look after them as best as we can.

“We’ll talk to anyone about anything really – I’m a keen golf fan so I’ll always be up for chatting to people about that – but we’ve got a massive number of customers and it’s great they keep coming back to us.”

Best Fry is managed by Adrian Mikai and is one of ten fish and chip shops shortlisted for the Echo's Fish and Chip Shop of the Year.

Voting is open now and can be done via a slip printed in the Echo every day this week and next.

The full shortlist is:

Best Fry Fish & Chips in High Street, West End

Fish & Co in Hinkler Road, Thornhill, Southampton

Harefield Fish Bar in Somerset Avenue, Southampton

J-Henry’s in Upper Northam Road, Hedge End, Southampton

Mike's Fish & Chips in Spring Lane, Bishopstoke

Paul's Plaice in High Street, Bishops Waltham

Scott’s Plaice in Gregson Avenue, Gosport

Sib's Fish and Chip Shop in Civic Centre Road, Southampton

Top Catch in Shirley Road, Southampton