Programme gives Claws for thought (From Western Telegraph)

Programme gives Claws for thought

11:18am Thursday 26th July 2012 in Milford Haven

The story of an award winning Johnston fishmonger will feature in an ITV programme tonight (Thursday)

Claws Shellfish will be part of A Taste of the Royal Welsh, airing on ITV Wales, at 10.35pm.

The business has been awarded the Gold People’s Choice food award for best fishmonger, as part of the 2012 People’s Choice Wales True Taste Food and Drink Awards.

The awards, which were presented at the Royal Welsh Show yesterday (Wednesday), were voted for by the public, and judged on criteria including quality of ingredients, service, and local sourcing.

The family business, run by Neil, Christine and Joe Viles, is committed to providing the best possible, locally-sourced shellfish and wetfish.

Christine said: "Since we won a True Taste Award last year the publicity has been fantastic - we've hired two more people and the local support has been brilliant. Now to win this time after our customers have voted for is just amazing."

Welsh Culinary Association chairman Peter Jackson, who oversaw the judging, said: “This was the public’s opportunity to recognise their favourite food businesses and to share them with others, and I hope that the recognition that the True Taste Awards will bring will allow many more people the opportunity to discover these businesses for themselves.

“You can be assured that the winners announced today all produce food at the highest quality and have something very special to offer their customers.”

The People’s Choice Food Awards is a break from a ten-year tradition that saw Wales Food Oscar winners put themselves forward for judging.

Welsh Government deputy minister for food Alun Davies added: “All of the winners can be truly proud to have achieved such a prestigious recommendation from the Welsh public and I hope that they display their awards with pride.

“This is an excellent opportunity to showcase the quality of food on offer in Wales and recognise the significant contribution that the people behind it make to our culture and economy.”