Despite rises in food and oil prices, an award-winning take away restaurant has said it will not increase prices for customers.

Ocean’s Pearl in 13 Garston Park Parade has just been named the Watford Observer’s Take Away of the Year winner 2022.

The shop opened at the height of the pandemic, two years ago, and is now facing financial strain like many other businesses across the UK due to the cost-of-living crisis.

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Its owner, Serhan Sadha, said that regardless of their price increases, they do not want it to impact the customers.

He said: “Our wholesale prices have gone up by 30 to 35 per cent.

“We are trying to save on electricity where we can, like turning the lights off at the back.

“But we will not put the price of food up too much because people can’t afford it.

“We are making less profit at the moment, especially as fish and oil prices have gone up.”

Watford Observer: The team was happy with the win. Picture: Ocean's PearlThe team was happy with the win. Picture: Ocean's Pearl (Image: Ocean's Pearl)

Despite the current financial climate, Mr Sadha believes the best way to survive is to entice more customers into his shop.

He said: “I will not put the quality of my food down.

“Instead, I will have to get more customers in to make a profit.

“I will not be changing my oil I always use the best oil – I do quality food.”

Mr Sadha’s confidence in his food has made the win more important to him and his team.

Watford Observer: The shop has been open for two years. Picture: Ocean's Pearl The shop has been open for two years. Picture: Ocean's Pearl (Image: Ocean's Pearl)

He said: “I have lovely customers and they all told me I should win.

“At the weekend I had the trophies and banners up and people were walking past waving at me.

“They expected me to win. It’s not just one person, hundreds of people told me that.

“People do tell me they think it is the best fish and chip shop.”

It was not only the customers that were pleased with the shop’s win, staff were also thrilled when they heard the good news.

Mr Sadha said: “Everybody was happy, more than happy when we saw the email.

“I have nine staff working here and they were all jumping around because they were so excited.

“And my friends and family came in to congratulate us too.”

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