THERE'S no denying Clydebank is a small town but whether it be shipbuilding, Singers, or even the Blitz people throughout the UK remember the town.

But with what once defined the area now part of its iconic history, one of the town's most memorable features brings people back over and over again from far and wide.

With customers ranging from Kilbowie to Canada, McMonagles is the little chippy on the boat that symbols the taste of Clydebank for thousands.

This week, owner John McMonagle headed down to London with his family - including wife Agnes and daughters Debra Rose and Emma - for a glitzy awards bash at the famous Savoy to await the results for the British Takeaway Awards and took home …

To determine the winner, each of the finalists were marked on a mystery shopping experience, and were also asked to provide a submission on why they deserve to win.

A panel of judges, including celebrity chef Ainsley Harriott and businesswoman and star of BBC2 Dragon’s Den Sarah Willingham, reviewed the results and identify the 13 regional winners and the overall victor.

But no one is more surprised by the success of the restaurant than John himself.

The 56-year-old said: "The deliveries have went incredibly well.

"They have went up by 200 per cent in the last two years so the reason for the extension is so we can keep up with that.

"One night last week we had 145 deliveries alone so to be number one turn over is incredible.

"To have got to this level and we are a fish and chip shop – it's unbelievable, even Just Eat are astonished."

Despite the accolade, the team have no time to rest as they're currently completing the "final piece of the jigsaw" with a quarter of a million pound extension currently mid-construction on the back of the boat.

The new 20ft by 24ft addition will create a lift and disabled toilet, as well as some much needed storage, to provide easier access for customers using wheelchairs.

It's a move which completes a revamp of the restaurant with new features such as a state-of-the-art new grill and a décor overhaul which makes the boat's interior feel more upscale dining than casual chippy.

John said: "We opened 23 years ago and it has been a pleasure owning it.

"It has been a pleasure when you come in and meet the customers and people talk to you about it.

"So it's important for us to keep it up-to-date but it'll still be in keeping with the boat theme because it's what people like. "I think the attraction is a boat in the shipbuilding town.

"It's funny because it's got emotional history to other people as well."

While the ship may be entering into a new phase, it's certainly not going to be leaving the canal any time soon.

John added: "I was born in car park outside the boat, it was tenements back then, I grew up in Linnvale, I grew up in a shipbuilding town.

"There's been offers for it over the years and I never even ask for the number.

"I can't see myself retiring although the staff is brilliant – people have been here since its been here – but I just love it."