THE WETHERBY Whaler in Guiseley is celebrating after being named one of the UK’s ten best fish and chip restaurants – for the second year in succession.

The accolade follows an six-month search by Fry Magazine to find the restaurants serving up the finest fish suppers.

To make the list, the Guiseley team had to impress a mystery diner by achieving a pass mark of at least 96 per cent. The mystery diner visited unannounced and marked the restaurant on more than 40 aspects of its business, including the quality of food and customer service to cleanliness and value for money.

Caroline Murphy, Director of Wetherby Whaler, said: “We are delighted and proud that our Guiseley restaurant has been recognised again for its quality and service. As always, the bar for achieving this accolade and appearing on Fry’s list is set incredibly high and the judging process is very intense.

“Our Guiseley restaurant has continued to grow in popularity, which is testament to the commitment and dedication of our staff. “

Wetherby Whaler operates five restaurants and takeaways in Yorkshire - Guiseley, Pudsey, Wakefield, Wetherby and York.

Reece Head, competition organiser, said: “The eating out market is more competitive than ever, and you can no longer just open your doors and expect a regular trade, the focus has to be on offering a quality product that’s consistent, accompanied by exceptional customer service in clean, inviting surroundings.

“Our 10 Best Fish and Chip Restaurants hit the mark on all these aspects day in, day out by buying the best ingredients, filtering their oil every day, sourcing the right packaging, training their staff and investing back into their premises. This all comes at a price, but these shops see the value it adds, and it was makes them stand out.

“We are proud of all the winners and the efforts they go to not only to raise standards in our industry but to set new ones too. The industry is so much more professional than it ever has been because of shops like those in our 10 Best who go the extra mile.”

The Guiseley branch of Wetherby Whaler opened in 2012 after the company took over the former Harry Ramsden restaurant.