Hot trio of new fish and chip shops make industry award finals

The National Fish & Chip Awards is championing chippies from the North of England and Scotland, as the breakthrough businesses in the UK industry, announcing them as finalists in the Newcomer of the Year category.

They may be fresh on the scene, but three newbie outlets are rising fast up the ranks in what has been another exciting competition. Industry insiders have sized up the trio of businesses from every angle, checking that the fish and chips are excellent, standards are high, operations are smooth, and all the details in between are also first-rate.

Each of the finalists has pushed the boat out, showing fearlessness in elevating the expectations of what a rookie fish and chip shop can do. The hard work has paid off, with recognition from the trade’s foremost awards positioning them as next big things, like current Newcomer of the Year titleholder Mackerel Sky in Stamford Bridge, Yorkshire.

The new chippies frying up a storm and hoping to scoop the prize are:  

Lancashire

The Cottage, Blackpool

Scotland

Inverness-shire

Monster Fish & Chips Co., Fort Augustus

Edinburgh & The Lothians

The Crab & Lobster Fish Shack, South Queensferry

“Our final three fired up their fryers less than two years ago and are showing huge potential as being leaders in the pack,” says Andrew Crook, one of the event organisers and president of the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF). “They are bringing fire to the industry, which is so important to have, and the awards process encourages entrepreneurial spirit and the evolution in how fish and chips is enjoyed by the nation while maintaining the traditional foundations. This is a superb final – well done to them!”

Andrew Marriott, UK brand & marketing manager at Frymax, one of the UK’s leading sustainable frying oil specialists and sponsor of the award, praises the startups for making great strides: “ADM/Frymax is proud to be sponsoring the Newcomer of the Year award. In 1954 Frymax was the newcomer to the industry and here we are over 70 years later, demonstrating that a good quality product positioned correctly can stand the test of time.

“Also, it is worth remembering that despite the setbacks of the last few years, fish and chips is, and will remain, the nation’s favourite meal. Our three finalists have recognised the opportunities available to build thriving businesses and have overcome any problems encountered. Let us hope that they all have long and successful careers, like Frymax.”

The final marks of excellence for the chippies will be made during anonymous visits to grade the customer experience and high-stakes taste test. The competitors and hundreds of industry guests will find out who has come out on top at the 25 February awards ceremony at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London.

You can now book your tickets for the unmissable National Fish & Chip Awards at https://thefishandchipawards.com/event-tickets/.

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