A cut above the rest(aurant): National awards reveal fish and chip finalists

The National Fish & Chip Awards has reached a fork in the road in the Restaurant of the Year category, saying goodbye to half the contenders and announcing the five fantastic fish and chip restaurants continuing on as 2026 competition finalists.

The sit-down fish and chip experience is one of the most wonderful traditions in British culture and brilliant restaurants in Bristol, Devon, Norfolk and Yorkshire, are doing it in unforgettable style, whether that’s using secret family recipes or cooking up a high-end take on traditional menus.

The National Fish & Chip Awards has been defining what outstanding looks like for 38 years and is the go-to competition for businesses that want to break new ground in the industry. To be considered an ambassador for excellence requires entrants to undergo a full-scale assessment where sector specialists delve into all areas of the eateries.

When it comes to judging, the committee looks for key characteristics such as proven sustainability, consistent quality and outstanding service and it’s these five fish and chip restaurants that have successfully met these criteria.

Bristol

Noah’s

Devon

Squires Fish Restaurant & Take Away, Braunton

Norfolk

No1 Cromer

Yorkshire

Trenchers of Whitby

Whitby’s Restaurant & Take Away, Rotherham

Andrew Crook is the president of the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), which organises the event, says the awards brings the industry together to celebrate its finest. “We are so excited for these five businesses which have been set apart as the UK’s foremost fish and chip restaurants!

“The contenders have such love for what they do, selecting only quality produce for customers and placing much attention to detail into how the fish, potatoes and other produce and ingredients are prepared and cooked, so that every bite is knock-out. Having restaurants like these in our towns and cities is essential for keeping our great British tradition alive and the beauty of the awards process is that it helps chippies maintain and elevate standards.”

It’s a trio of independent, family-owned business – Friars Pride, Henry Colbeck and V.A. Whitley – known as the Q Partnership – that are the sponsors for this year’s category, which has an impressive 280 years’ collective experience in supplying the UK fish and chip market with goods and services.

Luke Townsend, marketing manager at Friars Pride, says of this year’s category contenders: “At Friars Pride we are delighted to congratulate the top 5 shortlisted restaurants for the prestigious Restaurant of the Year award at the National Fish & Chip Awards.

“This stage of the competition represents the pinnacle of achievement in our industry. Reaching the final five is a massive accomplishment, reflecting dedication and hard work. Each of these fantastic establishments has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to quality, innovation, and providing a truly outstanding dining experience for every customer who walks through their doors. Their success truly represents the very best of the UK’s vibrant fish and chip restaurant sector.”

Luke continues: “We are incredibly proud to continue our partnership in sponsoring the highly competitive Restaurant of the Year category alongside our valued partners, the Q Partnership. We are delighted to play a direct role in celebrating and championing such a high level of excellence, and service within our industry. We wish all five finalists the very best of luck as the judging process moves into its final stages. We eagerly await the results and look forward to seeing who takes home the title in February.”

The finalists have impressed Georgina Colbeck, director at Henry Colbeck, who comments:

“These five finalists have given their all to reach this final stage of the competition and it’s been humbling to see the focus, dedication and sheer hard work that they and their teams have undertaken in their quest to be the best. Fish and chip restaurants occupy a vital place in the nations’s hearts and in addition each and every one of these finalists will now be bringing extra visitors and income into their communities. Well done to the top five!”

Robert Fernandes, marketing manager at V.A. Whitley, speaks of the importance of fish and chip restaurants: “We are thrilled to celebrate the incredible talent and passion behind the UK’s top fish and chip restaurants. Reaching the top five is an outstanding achievement that reflects true dedication to quality, service, and innovation.

“As proud sponsors, V.A.Whitley and the Q Partnership will be honoured to present the winner of the Restaurant of the Year category with a specially designed plate trophy – a lasting symbol of excellence in our industry. The standard of entries into this category were particularly strong, everyone who has progressed should be extremely proud!!”

To determine which one of the five has truly mastered the art of hospitality, anonymous in-person quality checks grading the food, setting and customer interaction will take place. It will be a nail-biting wait for all the finalists who will be invited to the awards ceremony on 25 February at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, to find out who will take on the mantle from current Restaurant of the Year winner, Bells Fish & Chips (Framwellgate Moor) in Durham.

Seafood from Iceland is also thrilled to once again offer the winner and two runners-up an unforgettable journey to Iceland’s remote and breathtaking Westfjords. This unique experience will give them the opportunity to discover the heart of Iceland’s seafood industry firsthand – from the pristine waters to the passionate people behind it.

For more information and bits on the National Fish & Chip Awards, please visit: www.thefishandchipawards.com.