Getting to know Drywite Young Fish Frier Finalist – Lauren Kellaway

Lauren Kellaway from Kellaways Fish and Chips has had a very successful year, she has managed to make the Top 6 for the Drywite Young Fish Frier Award. Being a finalist has provided many fantastic opportunities for Lauren. Therefore, in light of the upcoming awards, we wanted to have a chat with Lauren about her experiences so far with the judging process, and life in general for a young fish frier!

How did you start off your career in the Fish & Chip industry?

My parents bought the business in 1997, when I was three! So I have literally grown up around fish and chips, but it was only after I got back from travelling when I was 22 that I decided that I wanted to have a career in Fish and Chips.

What made you want to enter the Fish & Chip Awards 2019?

I wanted to get more involved in the industry, improve my knowledge and skills as a young frier. I thought it would also be a good way to challenge myself!

What’s been your favourite part about being a finalist so far?

Having the opportunity to meet so many influential members of the industry! I’ve learnt so much and the competition had helped to develop my skills as a young frier.

What’s been the most challenging part of the judging process so far?

I would say the Skype interview was pretty nerve-wracking as you needed to be prepared, as the questions could have been about any topic in the industry. The skills day was probably the most challenging part for me as the pressure was on for everything to go as smoothly as possible.

Now that you’re coming to the end of the judging process, what advice would you give to other young friers who are thinking about entering next year?

Go for it! You will learn so much, meet lots of amazing people and also have the opportunity to see wider aspects of the industry organised by the competition sponsors Drywite!

How do you find frying on a Florigo every day?

This is our third Florigo since we took over the shop, they have always been reliable, service has been brilliant and we find that the high efficiency range is great when keeping up with customer demands!

What’s your favourite feature on your Florigo?

We love the Halo lighting on our range, it makes frying easier as you can see the product better! Our built in grill makes it so much easier to cook burgers and grill fish for customers who are looking for a healthier option!

Other than frying, what other interests do you have?

I enjoy going on snowboarding holidays with friends in the winter and the rest of the year, I love going to the beach, going for walks with the dog across the cliff paths, especially as the Cornish coast is beautiful in the summer!

What’s your favourite chippy dish?

I do love Cod and Chips, but I think it would be a battered sausage with chips and curry sauce!

What would it mean to you to be crowned Drywite Young Fish Frier of the year 2019?

It would be amazing to win, it would be a credit to all the team here at Kellaway’s too, if they hadn’t stepped up to cover me when being away I wouldn’t have been able to be a part of the competition. I would like to influence and I hope to inspire other young people to be a part of the industry, to continue the British Tradition of good quality Fish and Chips for generations to come!

Congratulations on your achievements so far and we’re wishing you lots of luck in the 2019 Fish and Chip Awards next week! See you there!