Chippy is flying tonight

A ROCHDALE town centre chippie has battered the competition to be named the seventh best fish and chip shop in the country.

The Flying Fish, on The Butts, came in seventh place after a national newspaper set out to find the very best 'plaices' to tuck into our beloved national dish.

A secret shopper from The Mirror came to the shop to rate what it has to offer, after customers contacted the paper to rave about the family-run business.

The Flying Fish scored an impressive 37/ 50, getting high marks for the quality of its fish and chips, extras, service and value for money.

Husband and wife team Diane and Mark Walsh, who have run the Flying Fish for seven years, where thrilled to bits when they learned of their success.

Not only is the shop flying the flag for Rochdale, but as the only North West chippie to make it into the top ten , it's also doing the region proud.

As well as fish and chips, the shop does a roaring trade in sandwiches and breakfasts.

It's most famous extras however, are Diane's homemade pies.
The mum of two arrives at the shop every morning at 6am to freshly bake the meat and potato and cheese and onion pies.

But Diane also believes it isn't just the food and prices which keep the regulars coming back for more, but the friendly atmosphere she has worked hard to achieve.

Since the Walsh's took over the shop seven years, after Mark decided to switch from a career in teaching, Diane has made it her business to get to know all her customers.

Regular diners will have already discovered that a good natter is all part of the experience at the Flying Fish.