Didsbury Viking Explorer Scout Unit

Chip Shop Challenge

We all love a good portion of fish and chips! We certainly do! But, have you ever wondered where the best Chip Shop in South Manchester was?

We have, and we were determined to find out. So last Wednesday we ran our 1st ever Chip Shop Challenge evening!

We were going to product test the local chippies in South Manchester and judge them on 4 categories:

• Service (Out of 5)
• Cost (Out of 5)
• Taste, Texture and Smell (Out of 10)
• Overall Experience (Out of 3, with 2 bonus points for free portions of chips)

So now we have our criteria, off to the Chip Shops! Our plan was to explain what we were doing, making various loud and poignant comments and hope they might give us some free chips.

David kindly volunteered his car for a method of transport, and it is smaller than the old mini. There were 5 of us, 3 of which are over 6-foot, so we all squashed in. With the back pasengers having to temporarily amputate their own legs to fit in. But still it was great fun, and our thanks go to David for the use of the car!

A certificate has been presented to the winner, and can be viewed here.

Didsbury Fish Bar

The first Chip Shop we product tested was the Didsbury Fish Bar on School Lane, Didsbury.

We entered into the shop, clipboards in hand, and I bravely stepped forward to explain what we were doing and ask for a portion of chips.

Unfortunately due to having to cook new chips we did have to wait a while (4-5 minutes), but overall the experience was good and they did offer indoor seating.

Didsbury Fish Bar	Service (5)	Cost (5)	Taste, Texture & Smell (10)	Overall Experience (3 + 2)
Total: 22	4	5	8	3 + 2
		S: £1.00
		L: £1.50
		Cost to us:
		FREE!

 

The Golden Gate

The second Chip Shop we product tested was The Golden Gate on Didsbury Road, Heaton Mersey.

Once again we entered into the shop and David explained our cause in an attempt to test the service and product. However, they would not offer us a free sample and we had t pay full price!

The chips were served a lot quicker here, but they were colder too. Also there was no indoor seating, so me made good use of their counter instead!

The Golden Gate	Service (5)	Cost (5)	Taste, Texture & Smell (10)	Overall Experience (3 + 2)
Total: 12	3	2	6	1
		S: £1.05
		L: £1.65
		Cost to us:
		Full Price

The Battered Cod

The third Chip Shop we product tested was The Battered Cod on Ladybarn Lane, Withington.

It was Sam's turn this time, and it was his local - he was scared! We talked our talk, and the front of shop staff went to check with the manager, in the end they agreed to let us pay half-price.

The chips again were served with reasonable speed, however there was no indoor seating, so we ate outside this time!

The Battered Cod	Service (5)	Cost (5)	Taste, Texture & Smell (10)	Overall Experience (3 + 2)
Total: 14	3	3	7	1
		S: £1.10
		L: £1.50
		Cost to us:
		Half Price

Andy's Fish Bar

The final Chip Shop we product tested was Andy's Fish Bar on Wilmslow Road, Withington.

This time Josh nervously stepped up to centre stage, and again we blundered in, made our comments and even got a free portion of chips - even after Rachel offering to pay for them!

The chips were served with reasonable speed, and seating was provided, and even with a customer laughing at us - we ate! I even offered feedback at the end, maybe the wrong idea. David scampered to the car thinking a fight was about to ensue!

Andy's Fish Bar	Service (5)	Cost (5)	Taste, Texture & Smell (10)	Overall Experience (3 + 2)
Total: 18	4	4	6	2 + 2
		L: £1.20
		Cost to us:
		FREE!

So that draws an end to our first ever Chip Shop Challenge, and as we can see the Didsbury Fish Bar has come on top. 

So now you know where to east Fish and Chips in South Manchester!

A certificate has been presented to the winner (viewable here) - and to the losers - you have 1 year to bring those chips up to standard.