Fish and chip shop specials: Takeaway of the Year finalists announced

You’re going to be ‘herring’ more about the best fish and chip shops the UK has to offer as the 10 finalists for the coveted Takeaway of the Year title have been revealed by the National Fish & Chip Awards.

The panel of sector specialists have examined every aspect of the contender businesses making sure the bar is set high when it comes to industry and product expertise, sustainable business practice, environmental engagement, employee responsibility, as well as cooking ‘fin-tastic’ fish and chips.

Over the last few months, the original shortlist of 40 tackled multiple high-pressure tasks, challenges and interviews. The lineup was reduced to 20 and now the final 10 will be waiting with bated breath for the mystery visits that will determine the Takeaway of the Year winner, which will be officially announced at the awards ceremony in London on 26 February.

The finalists are:

Cornwall

Kellaway’s Fish and Chips, Truro

County Durham

Yarm Road Fish and Chips, Darlington

Nottinghamshire

Angell’s Fisheries, Newark-on-Trent

Yorkshire

The Fish Bank, Sherburn-in-Elmet

Mister C’s, Selby

The Scrap Box, York

Scotland

Aberdeenshire

Redcloak Fish Bar, Stonehaven

Ayrshire

The Fish Works, Largs

Wales

Anglesey

Finney’s Fish and Chips, Benllech

Glamorgan

Zero Plus Fish & Chips, Cardiff

One of these fish and chip shops will follow in the footsteps of 2024 Takeaway of the Year victor, Caerphilly champion Ship Deck, and you can read about Ryan and Kimberly Hughes’ winner’s story.

The National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF) president and awards organiser, Andrew Crook says: “It’s no secret that when you enter the National Fish & Chip Awards it’s not going to be an easy ride but it’s to ensure as an industry we keep pushing for absolute excellence as a minimum. Customers are at the forefront of what we do so it’s imperative that businesses are serving them to the best of their ability and that’s why we are validating the efforts of this exceptional group which has made it through to the Takeaway of the Year finals.”

Sponsoring Takeaway of the Year is BDSigns, Florigo, Friars Pride, Henry Colbeck, McWhinney’s Sausages, Seafood from Iceland, Smales and V A Whitley.

Barry Dickman, Director & Founder of BDSigns & BDigital, says: “We’re excited to see who will take home the title of Takeaway of the Year! To all finalists, you’re already winners for making it this far, and you should be incredibly proud of your achievements. We absolutely love this event—it’s always a joy catching up with all you amazing, hardworking people. Let’s keep building success together!”

Robert Furey, managing director at Florigo, says: “On behalf of Florigo, the country’s premier range supplier, congratulations on reaching the top ten. We wish you all good luck on the journey moving forward. This is both exciting times for you for the level that you have achieved and for Florigo which is proud to be sponsoring these awards.”

Luke Townsend, marketing manager at Friars Pride, comments: “A huge congratulations to the top 10 fish and chip shops which have made it to this stage within the Takeaway of the Year category. They all have done an incredible job to reach this stage.

“Just like these 10 shops, Friars Pride is passionate about the fish and chip industry and that is why these awards are important, they highlight and celebrate the fantastic food that fish and chip shops offer their customers. We look forward to seeing everyone at the awards ceremony in February to celebrate this great achievement of making the top 10 and the finals of the award. At Friars Pride we are proud to continue to support the National Fish & Chip Awards, and we are delighted to be the sponsors of the Takeaway of the Year category.”

Henry Colbeck Marketing Director Georgina Colbeck says: “10 out of 10 for the top 10 and congratulations to each deserving finalist. The judging process is a thorough one and attention to detail in every aspect of the business is what it’s taken to ultimately reach the final – with another stage in the judging yet to come before the winner is unveiled. As a sponsor I can’t wait for the awards event to be able to congratulate all the finalists and see the next Takeaway of the Year winner crowned – roll on February 26^th!”

Björgvin Þór Björgvinsson, Project Manager for Seafood from Iceland, states: “For centuries, Iceland and the UK have shared a robust fish trade. Today, frozen-at-sea cod and haddock fillets are among Iceland’s top exports to the UK, celebrated for their premium quality, sustainability, and taste.

“UK importers and distributors recognise the unmatched quality of Icelandic fish. We’re proud to sponsor the Takeaway of the Year award and collaborate with the fish and chip industry to raise consumer awareness of sustainably sourced seafood from Iceland.”

Robert Fernandes, marketing manager at V.A.Whitley comments: “As the excitement builds in the countdown from the top 20 to the top 10 of the National Fish and Chip Awards, we at V.A.Whitley are thrilled to celebrate the dedication and passion of every shop that has entered. Each establishment embodies the rich tradition and innovation that makes our beloved fish, chips and mushy peas such a special dish. Here’s to all the finalists who continue to elevate fish and chips to new heights!

“VA Whitley has been delivering excellent service and quality products to the fish and chip trade in England and Wales for over 125 years. We would like to take this opportunity to wish all entrants the very best of luck going forward.”

Principal sponsor of the National Fish & Chip Awards 2025 is Seafood from Norway, and Victoria Braathen, UK Director of the Norwegian Seafood Council, concludes: “It’s been such a pleasure to see these talented operators showcase their businesses to the world. The National Fish & Chip Awards raises the bar every year and this year was no exception. While there can only be one winner, every single one of these top 10 finalists should be incredibly proud of what they’ve accomplished. 

“Supporting these awards is an absolute highlight for Seafood from Norway, and together with the Norwegian seafood industry we look forward to continuing our collaboration and celebrating more milestones together in this iconic industry for many years to come. We wish all the finalists the best of luck! Your achievements are a testament to your dedication, and we extend our heartfelt congratulations to the winner.”

‘Crab’ your tickets for the National Fish & Chip Awards at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge before they are ‘sole’ out. https://thefishandchipawards.com/event-tickets/.

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