With British food currently in vogue, traditional favourites are enjoying a new level of popularity, and at Our Plaice in Hagley, the profile of one of Britain's best-loved institutions - fish and chips - is being raised even further.

Our Plaice was named Fish and Chip Shop of the Year in January, winning national acclaim after picking up a regional award the previous year. Owners Gregg and Caroline Howard wanted their shop, which opened early in 2003, to provide a more upmarket feel whilst retaining the traditional aspects of the industry. Our Plaice has been fitted out with extremely chic dcor in the art deco style, and immediately comes across as a cut above the norm.

Another aspect that makes the shop stand out from the rest is the outside catering service, which sees them deliver to homes, businesses and functions in the area as well as charity events, WI and PTA meetings. Children's parties are a speciality, with chicken nuggets and mini-portions added to the regular menu.

The menu incorporates old favourites such as cod, scampi and fresh roe, alongside pasties, kebabs and chicken, and customers can also choose speciality fish like silver hake, lemon sole or skate wings. On my visit I sampled the hake, which was served with chips and topped with a slice of lemon, living up to the high quality nature of the business.

Speaking as someone who rarely eats fish, it is a testament to the standards at Our Plaice that I genuinely liked the hake, particularly as it had been cooked in a very light batter as opposed to the thick, orangey stuff used by many takeaways. Gregg explained that thin batter is important as it does not obscure the flavour of the fish itself and also ensures it is cooked thoroughly.

"The fish should be lightly poached in the batter, so that it falls into flakes," he added. Having been brought up in a fish and chip shop and trained as a chef, Gregg ought to know what he's talking about, and I can attest that my fish was indeed flaky as well as very tasty.

The chips were also cooked perfectly with no grease in sight, and the steady flow of customers that lunchtime - some even arriving before the official opening hour - shows that excellent food and customer service are permanent fixtures of Our Plaice, which has now been named as one of four finalists in the Best of Black Country Businesses Awards, in the customer care category. 300 customer nominations were required to enter the Fish and Chip Shop of the Year competition, and needless to say there was no problem getting these.

The award has already led to Our Plaice being featured on Ready Steady Cook, GMTV, the BBC's Mind Your Own Business, and in a documentary about British food for German television - fame that is entirely justified given the unique nature of this classy establishment. There's even a royal seal of approval: in July, Gregg and Caroline were presented to the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh at a maritime reception at St James Palace, where they chatted about...chips!

Our Plaice, 131 Worcester Road, Hagley 01562 888072