A fish and chip shop hooked a prize catch by becoming the first winner of the St Albans Food and Drink Festival award for sustainability.

Godfrey’s Fish and Chips, based in Harpenden High Street, enjoyed a double celebration as they also won the title of best takeaway.

Luke Godfrey, owner and manager of Godfrey’s, said: “I am extremely pleased to have won this award. Sustainability is something that is very important to us, rather than just a marketing ploy.

“It was drilled into the DNA of this business when it was founded five years ago as sustainability has always been one of my passions.

“We only use recyclable packaging and only use green electricity from a specialist supplier.

“Right from the start, I also ensured that all our fish is certified as sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council. I believe we were the first fish and chip restaurant in Hertfordshire to do that.

“This award is recognition of the work we have done, and it will go up in the shop along with our best takeaway award for all to see. I’m very proud.”

Fourteen awards were presented at the awards dinner at Sopwell House Hotel on Monday, October 2.

Publican Sean Hughes also took two awards - the Kate D’Arcy Award for Customer Service, and best bar for his Dylans The Kings Arms in George Street, St Albans.

Real ale company Farr Brew, based in Wheathampstead, had a double success too, winning the best market stall and best local producer titles.

The other 13 award winners emerged from a list of 350 nominations that went to a public vote during the summer.

More than 2,000 people took part in the online ballot with the top three or four in each category then being shortlisted.

Festival judges, including food and drink experts, made unannounced visits to the finalists to check on the quality of their service and produce as well as other attributes before choosing the winners.

The 14 winners - from St Albans unless stated - were:

  • Best Restaurant for a Special Occasion: Thompson St Albans
  • Best Restaurant for Everyday Dining: Per Tutti tied with The Great Northern
  • Best Pub: Ye Olde Fighting Cocks  
  • Best Bar: Dylans The Kings Arms
  • Best Café: The Fleetville Larder        
  • Best Local Producer: Farr Brew, Wheathampstead
  • Best Food & Drink Shop: Parker & Vine, Harpenden
  • Best Market Stall: Farr Brew 
  • Best Takeaway: Godfrey's Fish and Chips, Harpenden
  • Best Place to Do Business: The Beech House
  • Most Family Friendly: The Waffle House
  • Best Newcomer: The Fleetville Larder        
  • Kate D’Arcy Award for Customer Service: Sean Hughes, Dylans The Kings Arms
  • The Green Triangle Award for Sustainability: Godfrey’s Fish and Chips