Disability-aware Warton chippy wins new national fish and chip award

Oliver's Chippy staff — Oliver’s Chippy is disability-aware and autism-friendly

A Warton chippy has won a new national fish and chip award.

Oliver’s Chippy secured The Peter Hill Award, which was launched by food manufacturer Middleton Foods in memory of its late CEO, Peter Hill, to reflect Peter’s passion for the fish and chip industry.

The traditional family-run chippy, owned by Gillian and Arron Jervis, was chosen by the judges for its community focus and passion, driven by Gillian and Arron’s autistic son, Oliver.

The business is disability-aware and promotes inclusivity with its autism-friendly ethos and wheelchair accessibility.

In the past year, Oliver’s Chippy has fed over 1,000 local children for free, has helped many food banks, offered a 10 per cent Blue Light discount, and each week run a competition to give away two free meals.

Commenting on their achievement Gillian said: “We’re over the moon to win The Peter Hill Award. We’re enormously proud to be in the fish and chip trade, and we’re delighted our community-focused shop helps put Warton on the map in Fylde.

“Our son, Oliver, inspires us every day, and we created Oliver’s Chippy so he has employment or if he cannot manage to work in the shop, financial security.

“We work very hard to operate a small business that cares, and thank everyone who supports us. It’s an honour to win this inaugural Award, which has very special meaning. Thank you Middleton Foods.”

Oliver's Chippy staff with inspiration, son Oliver — Oliver inspires his parents every day

Ryan Baker, Sales Manager at Middleton Foods, said: “Peter loved the industry so much and was always keen to support and nurture new talent in the trade he adored.

“The Peter Hill Award recognises newcomers to the industry, encourages new talent, promotes quality and excellence and allows us to give something back to the trade.

“Oliver’s Chippy and everything it stands for, really stood out to our judges. We know Peter would be delighted they’ve been chosen as the winner. Huge congratulations to Oliver’s Chippy.”

As well as the kudos of being announced winner, the prize won by Oliver’s Chippy is worth over £10,000.

It includes £1,000 worth of Middleton Foods stock, design of their own, ‘own label’ bespoke batter mix, two places at the KFE School of Frying Excellence, two places on the NFFF Fish Frying course, 1-1 ForkedUp training with Calum Richardson for 3 months, two tickets to the Fish and Chip Shop of the Year Awards 2024 with hotel accommodation and travel expenses, a years’ support from Middleton Foods’ Batter Boys, and additional support for National Fish and Chip Day 2024.