Excitement is cooking up as chippy shortlist is announced for Newcomer of the Year award

Five businesses new to the fish and chip scene have emerged as ones to watch by the National Fish & Chip Awards which has named them as contenders for the 2026 edition.

The Newcomer of the Year Award is an opportunity for chippies to ‘sea’ how they are faring since opening their doors for the first time since 1 January 2024 onwards. As the most in-depth competition of its kind in the UK, entrants of the National Fish & Chip Awards are assessed against industry benchmarks designed to stretch, inspire and improve the participating businesses.

Scoring highly for produce and industry knowledge, quality, business operations, sustainability, customer service and the end product, to mention just a few of the measures, the hopefuls are a step closer to receiving the baton from 2025 winner, Mackerel Sky in Stamford Bridge, Yorkshire.

Here are the businesses showing great promise with fresh ideas for the longstanding takeaway favourite:

Bristol

Fisk & Frite

West Midlands

Skippers, Sutton Coldfield in Birmingham

Lancashire

The Cottage, Blackpool

Scotland

Inverness-shire

Monster Fish & Chips Co., Fort Augustus

Edinburgh & The Lothians

The Crab & Lobster Fish Shack, South Queensferry

Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), which is responsible for delivering the prestigious event, describes the category as real celebratory moment. “The fish and chip industry is one where the professionals within it really do live and breathe their craft, so when we welcome new businesses to the fold, there’s a great sense of collective excitement to see them succeed.

“These new arrivals are showing impressive passion and innovation right out of the gate, and we’re sure with steer and encouragement from us and the wider industry, things will only get better for each of them. We’re excited to champion them on their journeys and seeing what they do next.”

Cooking oil solutions expert, Frymax is the sponsor of the award, with its UK Brand & Marketing Manager Andrew Marriott speaking of the significance of the category. “Frymax is once again proud to sponsor the Newcomer of the Year award. This category is extremely important for our industry as new entrants are a key driving force in the growth of the fish and chip trade and their entrance into the business is vital for our future prosperity.

“This award recognises those who have shown initiative, commitment and commercial acumen while also offering great products as they enter our brilliant industry.”

Katrina and Ali Hasanbasoglu, owners of Mackerel Sky, share some words of wisdom for the shortlist: “If you endeavour to implement industry guidelines into your daily practices and ask if you need help or advice – because there is always someone with knowledge and experience that will offer their time – you’ll be on your way to success! Fry with passion, love what you do. And in the words of an industry great, “you are only as good as your last portion of fish and chips”. Good luck!”

Up next for the shortlist will be the mystery shop visits, where the strongest three will be announced as finalists later in the year. The awards ceremony will be held on 25 February in London at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, where the Newcomer of the Year recipient will lift the trophy.

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