From Village Rounds to Award-Winning Excellence

It all started with a dream in 2020, amidst unprecedented times, we had a simple observation: our corner of the Ribble Valley was crying out for quality fish & chips. Instead of waiting for someone else to fill this gap, we took things into our own hands literally. Not being from a traditional fish & chip background, what we lacked in experience, we made up for with dedication, passion and a hunger to learn. We invested in professional training with the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), mastering the art and science of perfect fish & chips. This wasn’t just about cooking; it was about creating an experience worth travelling for.

Our Awards & Achievements

Our commitment to excellence hasn’t gone unnoticed, and we’re proud to share some of our most notable milestones:

2021: Environmental Recognition: Certified Plastic Free Champions

Our journey towards sustainability began early, earning us the title of Plastic Free Champions. This certification acknowledges our efforts to reduce waste, adopt biodegradable packaging, and make environmentally conscious choices in every aspect of our business.

2023: Named among the UK’s Top 5 Mobile Operators at the National Fish & Chip Awards

Reaching the top 5 was no small feat, and we’re proud to be recognised for our dedication to consistently delivering top-notch fish & chips on the go. This distinction reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence.

2023: Finalist in the Ribble Valley Food & Drink Business Award

This recognition celebrates our focus on quality, sustainability, and creativity in delivering delicious food. Being a finalist in such a competitive category motivates us to continually raise the bar.

2023: Crowned winners of the Ribble Valley Small Business Award

As a family-run business, winning this award validated our hard work, innovation, and deep-rooted connection with the community. It’s a testament to the incredible support we’ve received from our local customers.

2024: Crowned winners of The Ribble Valley Stars in Tourism Food Award

This accolade highlights our contribution to tourism in the Ribble Valley by offering not just exceptional fish & chips, but an experience worth travelling for. We’re thrilled to be part of what makes this region special for visitors.

2024: Regional finalists in The Wedding Industry Awards 2025

We were honoured to be selected as finalists in this prestigious award category, recognising our ability to create unforgettable food experiences for wedding celebrations. From small, intimate gatherings to grand affairs, we make every event memorable with our signature dishes.

2024: Achieved Top 3 placement in the UK’s Mobile Operators category at the National Fish & Chip Awards

Competing against hundreds of mobile operators across the country, we were recognised for our outstanding food quality, innovative service, and commitment to sustainability. This achievement reflects the dedication we bring to every event and community we serve.

2025: Crowned winners of The National Fish & Chips Awards

Being named the best in the country at The National Fish & Chips Awards is the highest honour in our industry. This incredible achievement reflects our passion for delivering exceptional fish and chips, our dedication to quality and sustainability, and the unwavering support of our loyal customers. We’re proud to represent the very best of British fish and chips!

Meet the Team Behind the Batter

We’re a family-run business that believes in putting faces to names. Every piece of fish we fry, every portion of chips we serve comes with personal pride and attention to detail. Our team has grown from those early days of village rounds, but our commitment to quality and personal service remains unchanged.

Simon Mathews

Owner/Fryer
Meet Simon, The man behind the fryers. Simon came up with the concept of Country Fried, before facing redundancy from his role as a Transport Manager for over 25 years. Simon has always had passion for cooking and wanted to bring his idea to life.

Not coming from a fish and chip background, Simon trained with the National Federation of Fish Fryers (The fish and chip gods) and has been cooking award-winning fish and chips ever since. His love for tasty food ensures that every customer enjoys their food, whether they’re at the front or at the back of the queue.

When Simon’s not behind the fryers, you can find him on an occasional trip to the slopes snowboarding.

Helen Mathews

Co/Owner
Meet Helen, Helen is responsible for everything that doesn’t involve cooking the food - she’s marketing, sales, accounts and the one you will speak to when you’re looking to book your wedding or special event with Country Fried.

Helen has extensive experience of working with customers day-to-day, to ensure every detail of your event is just the way you want it. She has a passion for building and nurturing strong relationships with everyone she talks to and making sure that you’re happy with all your decisions in making your special event magical.

When she’s not being all things Country Fried, she’s typically at the side of a football pitch or a musical theatre show, supporting their twins.

Our Cooking Philosophy

What makes a perfect fish & chips? For us, it’s:

Premium Icelandic
Haddock

Sustainably caught in Norway’s pristine waters

Double-cooked
Chips

Ensuring that perfect crispy exterior and fluffy interior

Fresh-to-order
Cooking

Straight from the fryer to your plate

Light Crispy
Batter

Chosen for the perfect taste

Our Mission & Values

Our mission is built on core principles that define everything we do. We believe in delivering quality without compromise, using only the finest ingredients to ensure every meal meets the highest standards. Our commitment to community drives us to support local suppliers and serve rural areas with pride. With sustainability in action, we make environmentally conscious choices, from sourcing to packaging. We embrace innovation with tradition, respecting classic methods while integrating modern service to enhance the experience. Above all, we prioritise personal service, treating every event as if it were our own celebration, ensuring our customers feel valued and cared for.

Environmental Commitment & Sustainability

Our commitment to sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. We prioritise sustainably caught fish from certified suppliers, ensuring we protect marine ecosystems for future generations. By focusing on local ingredient sourcing, we reduce food miles and support regional producers. Our dedication to the environment extends to using biodegradable packaging materials and implementing a waste oil recycling programme to minimise waste. We invest in energy efficient equipment to reduce our carbon footprint and strive for a plastic-free operation wherever possible, ensuring our practices align with our values.

Community Involvement

We believe in giving back to the communities that have supported us:

• Regular participation in local events
• Support for community initiatives
• Grass roots sponsorship
• Collaboration with local businesses
• Active involvement in regional food festivals
• Supporting homeless charities

Looking Forward

While we’re proud of our achievements, we’re even more excited about the future. We continue to:

• Innovate our menu while respecting tradition
• Expand our sustainable practices
• Enhance our service offerings
• Strengthen community connections
• Develop new catering concepts

What Our Customers Love About Us

Our customers rave about our crispy, golden fish and chips, friendly service, and commitment to quality.
From weddings to festivals, see why people love Country Fried.

Join Our Journey

Whether you’re planning a special event, looking for our village rounds schedule, or interested in our corporate catering services, we’d love to hear from you. Every order, every event, every village visit adds to our story.

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