A Sale chip shop which started out as a pop-up in a pub is one of the best in the UK.

Off the Hook is one of 50 takeaways on a list published by Fry Magazine last week.

The chip shop started out as a pop-up in the Brooklands Tap in the midst of the coronavirus crisis.

Sarah Russell, who owns Off the Hook alongside husband Adam Russell, said: "It was successful from the beginning and it helped people through lockdown. 

"It was something to look forward to when there was not a lot to look forward to."

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The chippy moved to its own site around a year and a half ago after the retirement of Captain Cod on Northenden Road.

It is a small team including what Mrs Russell refers to as "a good gang of teenagers".

She said: "If you'd asked me at the beginning of 2020 if I'd own a chip shop, I'd say definitely not. It's so nice to take it this far. 

"The people of Sale have been amazing, they have been so supportive. They always come back and they leave lovely reviews."

Fry Magazine assesses the takeaways on criteria from the food itself to the service and the surroundings.

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It sends anonymous customers to scrutinise these criteria and to score the takeaways out of 100 per cent.

Reece Head, the organiser, said: "Once again we've had another year where it's simply got harder to operate a fish and chip business, with rising energy, labour and ingredient costs taking a heavy toll.

"It’s not easy but operators are working harder and smarter, staying ahead of changing tastes and behaviours and adapting accordingly. 

"The businesses to make up our 50 Best Fish & Chip Takeaways and 10 Best Fish & Chip Restaurants represent the best in the industry. 

"They are pushing forwards while not losing sight of what makes the chippy so engrained in British culture – high quality, value for money food with great customer service and inviting surroundings."

Also among the 50 takeaways on the list published by Fry Magazine are Chips @ No.8 in Bury, Sykes Fish and Chips in Salford, Pennington Plaice in Wigan and The Fish at Goose Green in Wigan.

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.