Three times winner of the Great British Menu, Richard Corrigan has been unveiled as the face of the National Fish & Chip Awards 2012. The celebrated chef, who has recently appeared on screens on Channel 4’s Cookery School, will host the ceremony in January in London. He will also help publicise the event throughout the UK.
The awards, now in their 24th year, recognise the best fish and chip businesses across Britain. From the top independent takeaway to the best newcomer category, the awards reward best practice and celebrate the great British institution that is fish and chips.
After leaving Ireland to pursue his dream of becoming a chef, Richard spent four years cooking in the Netherlands before progressing to become head chef of Mulligan’s in Mayfair.
His first Michelin star was awarded at Stephen Bull’s Fulham Road restaurant in 1994, prior to launching the acclaimed Michelin-starred Lindsay House in Soho in 1997.
Following his success at reviving the famous Bentley’s Seafood Bar & Grill in London, Richard opened Corrigan’s Mayfair to equal praise in 2008. Corrigan’s Mayfair was awarded London Restaurant of the Year 2008/9 by the London Evening Standard and gained three AA Rosettes within its first three months.
Richard was raised on wholesome, uncomplicated, good cooking and is a big fish and chips fan. He said: “Fish and chips were one of our top family treats when I was growing up and even today I like nothing better than tucking into a portion on a Friday evening. Throughout my cooking career I’ve made many fish and chips dishes but it’s never quite the same as eating it after it’s been freshly made in the shop.
“The standard of fish and chip shops in this country is exemplary and I’ve been so impressed with the quality and commitment these shop owners show. The UK should be extremely proud of the industry – there’s definitely no where else in the world that does it quite like us.”
The finals of the National Fish & Chip Awards will take place on 17 January 2012 at the Park Plaza Riverbank Hotel in London.
With over 250 million fish and chip meals sold each year from over 10,500 shops across the UK, fish and chips remains the nation’s favourite takeaway. Devotees can tuck into their fish and chips knowing that they contain 36 per cent less calories than a chicken korma and pilau rice, and 42 per cent less fat than a doner kebab with pita and salad.
Recent studies also showed that fish and chips had the lowest salt content of all the takeaways tested.