TGt Meets ... The Scallop Shell Bath

We've been speaking with the team at The Scallop Shell Bath, after their win at the Bath Good Food Awards 2016.

Congratulations on your win! Tell us a little bit about your business?
We opened the restaurant and takeaway in Bath in early 2015, and we have been blown away by how much locals and visitors have warmed to the restaurant and the menu of traditional fish & chips and seafood and fish cooked simply. We are big champions of UK fish too – as an island we have so much quality produce available on our shores and we hope our roll-top bath helps people get more familiar with types of fish they may not have seen or eaten before. Our takeaway has also grown in popularity and we now offer loyalty cards as well as take orders for collection.

What does winning this award mean for you and your company?
When you’re passionate about the job you do every day, it’s amazing to get recognised for that and it’s especially great for the team. It’s an award for them as much as anything. Our team has doubled in number since we opened and they only become more and more passionate about our offering. We do it because we love it, so to win an award really is the icing on the cake!

How are you planning to celebrate your victory?
It was so great to have a night at the awards with the team who work so hard. But there might be some more drinks to be had! We’ll be heading off to a European market at some point soon to see and experience the produce on offer, to inspire us all and to see how different countries are cooking great fish!

How did you get started in the food industry?
Opening up a restaurant and takeaway here has been a dream of mine since beginning my chef career in Bath, then specialising in seafood at FishWorks in the city under the guidance of Mitch Tonks. I then went on to set up my own business. Now at The Scallop Shell in Bath, we have achieved our dream of opening somewhere that people can enjoy quality fish cooked simply and well, in a relaxed atmosphere.

Business is clearly booming, why do you think so many people visit Bath?
Bath is such a beautiful, well kept, historic city. It’s a safe place too with stunning buildings, and so much to offer as a resident or a visitor.

Bath is foodie heaven…where else in Bath do you like to eat?
Olé tapas is amazing. Every time I happily over order on the small plates. GPT for their Sunday roast, Society Café for great coffee and a quiet, welcoming space to sit, and for the ultimate food experience Menu Gordon Jones is top of my list.