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We run one of the best chippies in the country - fans come back time and time again here's the se

A UK chippie voted one of the best in England has revealed its secret to success - and it's all in the batter.

The award-winning Gipsy Lane Chippery, located on a Leicester high street, has been a fan favourite with hungry locals for nearly 50 years.

Family-run by Danielle and Anton Mappouras, the popular takeaway has already earned itself the prestigious title of best chip shop in the East Midlands.

It came after the much-loved chippie put their delicious food to the test as part of England's Business Awards 2023.

The hardworking couple are now through to the finals, in which the winners will be crowned next month.

The Mappouras family could become the best fish and chip shop in England if they prove victorious.

When asked what makes their fish and chip portions superior, Danielle had a theory.

"My husband is the only one who makes the batter, I've been trying by his side for 17 years, but I still can't make it how he does," she told The Sun Online.

"He's just got that knack, whether the weather is hot or cold, he knows how much of one thing or another to put in.

"His batter is the one, everyone says it.

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"The secret to success is definitely hard work and commitment.

"We've been here 50 years now, we've not changed anything, we keep working hard with high standards, and customers are happy.

"Our fish are large, we don't try and cut back on the size, it's large compared to most. The quality is always the best, we don't cut corners.

"We've been here such a long time, people trust us, they know they will come and have a nice meal.

"If they're having a family get together they'll ask, what are we having and say 'a Gipsy Lane'.

Danielle's favourite part of running the business is their devoted customers, who come back time and time again.

She said: "When you're absolutely shattered and having a bad day, a chat with them can put a smile on your face."

FAMILY ACHIEVEMENT

The dedicated owner said scooping the title of England's best chip shop would be a "mega" achievement for the whole family.

"After so many years in business it would be absolutely mega, this is the first time we've been involved in anything like this," Danielle continued.

"To take this crown it would be such an achievement for the whole family, especially the children.

"They're long and awkward hours, they miss out because we're working and can't be there for some things, so even they're rallying around it, it will be massive for them."

This comes as the UK’s top 40 fish and chip shops were revealed – did yours made the cut?

They include chippies in Cumbria, Durham, Lancashire and Yorkshire.

Meanwhile, winners of the 2023 National Fish & Chip Awards were announced in London at the Park Plaza earlier this year.

Ranked number-one in the Fish & Chip takeaway of the Year award was Whitehead's Fish & Chips in Hornsea, Yorkshire.

Second place went to Fish Kitchen 1854, in Maesycwmmer, Wales.

Finally, in third place was The Fish Works, located in Largs, near Glasgow.

The Top 40 finalists of Fish and Chip Takeaway of the Year are:

Cumbria

Angel Lane Chippie – Penrith

Lancashire

Westgate Fish & Chips - Morecambe

Westend Fish and Chips - Oswaldtwistle

County Durham

Yarm Road Fish and Chips – Darlington

Yorkshire

Lighthouse Fisheries of Flamborough – Bridlington

The Fish Bank – Sherburn-in-Elmet

Auckley Friery – Doncaster

Mr C's - Selby

Lincolnshire

Catch 22 – Tattershall

Angells Fisheries – Newark-on-Trent

Pips chips – Cleethorpes

Marina Fish & Chips – Skegness

Linfords Traditional Fish and Chips - Market Deeping

Greater Manchester

Eastleigh Town Street Fryer - Marple Bridge

Chips @ No.8 – Prestwich

Cheshire

Hooked on the Heath – Knutsford

Herefordshire

Fiddlers Elbow Fish & Chips – Leintwardine

Bristol

Bishopston Fish and Chips

Norfolk

French's Fish Shop – Wells-next-the-Sea

Essex

The Fish Inn Clacton - Clacton-on-Sea

Henley's of Wivenhoe – Wivenhoe

Johnny Macs – Colchester

London, Kent, Surrey

Stones Fish & Chips – London

Newington Fish Bar – Ramsgate

Sandy's Fish and Chip Shop - Folkestone

Lewis’s Fish and Grill – Maidstone

Seafare – Guildford

Oxfordshire

Harrisons Fish & Chip Co. Botley - Oxford

Hampshire

Mike’s Traditional Fish & Chips – Bishopstoke

James Backhouse - New Milton

Wales

Posh Fish and Chip Company - Cardiff

Fintans Fish & Chip Co – Cardiff

Hennighan's Fish & Chip Shop – Machynlleth

Finneys Fish & Chips - Benllech

Ship Deck - Caerphilly

Zero Plus Fish & Chips – Cardiff

Scotland

The Wee Chippy - Anstruther

Garioch Fish Bar – Inverurie