In a sizzling display of culinary excellence, twenty of the United Kingdom’s top fish and chip takeaways have battered the competition to secure their spots in the next round of the prestigious National Fish and Chip Awards.
The Takeaway of the Year category, a hotly contested accolade, has seen its contenders fried down from an original shortlist of forty, following a rigorous judging process that tested their commitment to environmental best practices, product knowledge, and employer accountability.
The National Federation of Fish Friers, the body behind the awards, has been overseeing this deep-fried contest, now in its 36th year.
High standards
Andrew Crook, the president of the Federation, expressed his admiration for the shortlisted businesses, stating, “The level of detail we require entrants to provide hasn’t phased our shortlisted businesses and they are hitting every mark.” The selection process, described as anything but easy, has been a testament to the high standards set by the awards.
The competition, sponsored by a consortium of industry heavyweights including McWhinneys, Oilchef, Pukka, Smales, Colbecks, Friars Pride, VA Whitely, and BD Signs, is now entering its next phase. This will include incognito visits to the shops to further assess their quality and service, ensuring that only the best make it through to the final ten.
Victoria Braathen, UK Director of the Norwegian Seafood Council, the principal sponsor, praised the top twenty, saying, “The 20 fish and chip takeaways should be extremely proud to be another step closer to potentially claiming the coveted top title in celebration of the nation’s favourite dish.”
The awards ceremony, set to take place on the 28th of February, 2024, at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in London, promises to be a grand affair where the ultimate champion of the Takeaway of the Year will be crowned.
Love and dedication to a classic British dish
The top twenty contenders hail from various parts of the UK, showcasing the widespread love and dedication to the classic British dish. From Tees Valley’s Yarm Road Fish and Chips in Darlington to Chipmongers Portstewart in Londonderry, Northern Ireland, the geographical spread of the finalists highlights the national passion for fish and chips.
As the industry leaders prepare to cast their nets over the shortlist once more, the nation waits with bated breath to see who will be crowned the king of the chippies. For more information on the National Fish and Chip Awards and to keep up with the latest updates, enthusiasts are encouraged to visit www.thefishandchipawards.com.
The competition is not just about the golden, crispy batter or the perfectly fried chips; it’s a celebration of tradition, sustainability, and the tireless efforts of the individuals who serve up a piece of British heritage on a plate.
Stay ‘tuna-d’ for the final announcement, and may the best chippy win!
Top 20 chippies shortlisted
Tees Valley
Yarm Road Fish and Chips, Darlington
Yorkshire
Lighthouse Fisheries of Flamborough, Bridlington
Mister C’s, Selby
The Fish Bank, Sherburn-in-Elmet
Auckley Friery, Doncaster
Lincolnshire
Marina Fish & Chips, Skegness
Greater Manchester
Chips @No.8, Prestwich
Lancashire
Westend Fish and Chips, Oswaldtwistle
Nottinghamshire
Angells Fisheries, Newark-on-Trent
Bristol
Bishopston Fish and Chips, Bristol
Norfolk
French’s, Wells-next-the-Sea
Hampshire
Mike’s Traditional Fish & Chips, Eastleigh
Surrey
Seafare Guildford, Guildford
London
Stones Fish and Chips, Ealing
Wales
Zero Plus Fish & Chips, Cardiff
Ship Deck, Caerphilly
Finney’s Fish and Chips, Benllech
Scotland
The Fish Works, Largs
The Wee Chippy, Anstruther
Northern Ireland
Chipmongers Portstewart, Londonderry
Cover photo: Whiteheads Fish and Chip takeway of the Year winner 2023
Media enquiries and to arrange interviews:
Louise Adu, Cake + Ice Cream PR
louise@cake-icecream.co.uk
T: 07845 807569
