National Fish and Chip Awards Announce Top 40 Contenders for Takeaway of the Year
A total of 40 fish and chip establishments have been longlisted for the prestigious National Fish and Chip Awards, with judging to narrow down the field to a final winner.
The National Fish and Chip Awards have revealed the top 40 contenders vying for the coveted title of Takeaway of the Year. This annual competition celebrates the best fish and chip shops across the United Kingdom.
Each of the 40 establishments will now undergo a comprehensive evaluation process. This includes assessments of their product quality, hygiene standards, environmental and operational sustainability practices, customer service, and industry knowledge. Following this initial evaluation, 20 shops will advance to the semi-finals, with a final ten being selected before the ultimate winner is announced on February 24.
Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers, the organization behind the awards, expressed enthusiasm for the ongoing competition. "As we celebrate the 39th year of the National Fish & Chip Awards, it's brilliant to see talent, passion, excellent professionalism and dedication to their craft on display," Crook stated. "Every year, the Takeaway of the Year standard continues to rise and this new list of top 40 contenders exemplifies that."
Crook also highlighted the broader opportunities within the industry. "This year we are particularly keen to shine a light on the opportunities our industry offers, from developing lifelong skills to fulfilling dreams of running a successful business," he added. "Good luck to everyone who makes it through to the next stage, and we can't wait to see the results next February at the awards."
Last year's winners, The Scrap Box in York, reported significant benefits from their award. Co-owner Aman Dhesi noted a substantial boost to the business, along with expanded opportunities outside the shop, including media engagements and industry networking.
Among the longlisted establishments are Fish! Kitchen in Borough Market and Grosvenor Fish Bar in Norfolk, both recognized for their contributions to the fish and chip tradition. The full list of the top 40 shops includes:
Bishopston Fish Bar (Bristol), Jolly Fryer (Bristol), Chippies Plaice (Newton Abbot, Devon), Taffs Fish and Chips (Torrington, Devon), Somewhere Else Fishy (Sherborne, Dorset), The Hook of Halstead (Essex), Taylor's (Stockport), Berties (New Milton, Hampshire), Best Fry (Southampton), Mike's Traditional Fish and Chips (Eastleigh), Mister Pink's (Milford-on-Sea), The Corner Plaice (Rickmansworth), The Cottage (Blackpool), Catch 22 (Tattershall), Linfords Fish and Chips (Market Deeping), Pips Chips (Cleethorpes), Chipping Wharf Fish & Chips (Bow, London), Fish! Kitchen (Southwark, London), Skipjacks (Harrow, London), The Good Catch (Freshfield) (Liverpool), Grosvenor Fish Bar (Norwich), Angell's Fisheries (Newark), Harrison's Fish & Chip Co. (Oxford), Knights Fish Restaurant (Glastonbury), Tulula's Fish & Chips (Halesworth), The Hake (Weybridge), Seafare (Guildford), The Fish Bank (Sherburn-in-Elmet), Browns Award Winning Fish and Chips (Belfast), Merchant Fish and Chips (Ballymena), The Frying Squad (Balloo) (Bangor), McCann's Fish & Chips (Newcastle), Garioch Fish Bar (Inverurie), Lows Traditional Fish & Chips (Westhill) (Aberdeen), Enzo's Fish and Chips (Irvine), The Fish Works (Largs), Hilton Chip Shop (Inverness), Monster Fish & Chips Co. (Fort Augustus), Hennighan's Fish & Chips Bottom Shop (Machynlleth), and Farnhams Fish and Chips (Boverton) (Llantwit Major).