A Suffolk restaurant has been named as a finalist in the first English Chippy Awards.

Sole Bay Fish Company in Southwold is in the running to be named Seafood Specialists of the Year. 

The restaurant on the coast reopened in June last year following a fire which destroyed the premises and another nearby fish and chip takeaway. 

The seafood eatery is known for its platters of prawns, cockles and whelks with garlic butter lobster, dressed crab or smoked fish which have helped the restaurant to be named as one of the best in country.

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Those wishing to enjoy the locally caught seafood as well as the fish and chips on offer can enjoy them at the restaurant on Southwold Harbour or at sister The Little Fish & Chip Shop in East Street.

Sole Bay Fish Company also has a fresh fish counter which is stocked daily with a variety of locally-caught seafood from cod to smoked kippers and Brancaster mussels.

The English Chippy Awards are organised by Creative Oceanic which organises more than 150 annual awards ceremonies in the UK, Ireland, US and Canada.

The restaurant is known for fish and chips and seafood plattersThe restaurant is known for fish and chips and seafood platters (Image: James Bass)

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The inaugural awards are being held as an online campaign with the winners announced on Friday, December 6.

A spokesman for the English Chippy Awards said: "We are thrilled to be launching the first ever English Chippy Awards and the quality of the entries we received was truly outstanding. 

"Our aim is to reward those who have a passion for the industry and recognise the hard work and dedication of dish and chip shop owners and staff who work tirelessly to provide quality food and service to their customers.

"We want to congratulate all of our finalists and wish them the best of luck."