The Galley is Chip Shop of the Year

The business has been frying high since taking the prestigious title in the hotly contested city wide contest recently.

Proud owner of The Galley James Curry, is a former chartered accountant who runs the local business along with brother-in-law Alan Johnston, a former Kilkeel firsherman.

This is the second chip shop that the pair own.

James runs their Lisburn shop which was opened a mere 15 months ago while their other shop based in Armagh is run by Alan.

James, is a strong believer in good quality products, supported by friendly hard working staff and a relationship with customers - all ingredients for success which he believes helped him win the recent title.

“We are all really pleased at getting this title,” said James.

“I would like to thank everyone who voted for us. I would like to thank our staff and all the hard work they put in.

“It means a lot to get this and we are very grateful.”

James continued, “We try to do everything as best as we can.

“We use the best fish that we can and everything is prepared fresh.”

James’s working day begins at 7.30am each day, where he will skin and bone fish and, as everything is home made, he will get the batter ready, as well as the onions and goujons which are prepared to fry.

“As there is a lot of competition out there it is important to get it right, with every single customer,” said James. “If you get it right it makes you feel that all that hard work is paying off which is fantastic.

“It’s all about the product. If you have good fish and chips that is the key and I am glad our customers appreciate that.

“I have been lucky with our staff and to hear that we won shows that people actually care enough to vote for us. We do appreciate that.

“Even though our customers still love fish and chips young people seem to go more for chicken, burgers and wraps.” Recently, the Armagh Eye voted their Armagh shop Best Eaterie in Armagh. Opening hours for the shop are Monday to Tuesday 12am to 9pm, from Wednesday to Saturday from 12pm to 1am and Sunday from 2pm to 9pm.