Cupar cleans up at Fife retail awards

Taking accolades in a number of categories on Sunday, the second annual awards recognised the quality and diversity of service and products from Cupar.

Paul Caira’s Central Cafe took the prize for number one fish and chip shop beating big names Cromar’s and Tailend in St Andrews. Paul said: “They are both great ambassadors for the trade and to even be in the same sentence as these guys and, on this occasion, to win a title, against a Scottish champion is fantastic for us.

“I am delighted we won but delighted I was in the top three especially against Colin Cromar who is a close friend of mine. Out there in the climate we are in just now where there is so much choice of fast food, the best value for money is still fish and chips.”

Maisie and Mac owner Alison Strachan, who won Best Fife Gift Shop said it was great to be awarded for being a bit different. She said: “I try to source things that you don’t see elsewhere in this area, things that are a bit more unusual. A lot of our customers comment on that and it has been lovely to be recognised.”

Scooping the Best Cupar Buisness award was soft play outfit Wee Kingdom who said that it was an amazing achievement and that “everyone in Cupar is buzzing”.

A bar that prides itself on providing customers with a great atmosphere was Best Licensed Premises winner The Boudingait. “We didn’t expect to win and were just looking at the awards as a get together for staff,” said Debbie Reilly, joint duty supervisor with sister-in-law Lauren Reilly. “We have a new head chef with a great new menu and now this award, it is incredible. It is such a boost for us and for Cupar.”

And rounding off the quintuplet of success was the Westport Cafe, whose owner Ally Reid said he was completely overwhlemed to win the Best Cafe in Fife award. “This is a massive achievement and can only be a good thing for Cupar. I have to thank our customers, we are so grateful to them and I am also personally grateful to my right-hand-woman Candice, who helps in so many ways.”

Painting Cupar in a positive light, all of the business owners were delighted for the successes of their fellow traders. Paul Caira said: “It is a testament to just how serious we are about maintaining Cupar as a fantastic shopping destination.”

“As a group of businesses we should captialise on this success,” added Alison. “Isn’t it brilliant that new shops are opening, and we are bucking the trend of other high streets.”