Middleton Foods announce Peter Hill Award Winner

Middleton Foods is delighted to announce Monster Fish & Chips Co. as the Winner of The Peter Hill Award 2025. Nestled in the heart of Fort Augustus, Monster Fish & Chips Co. is a traditional fish and chip shop that stands out for its unwavering passion for the industry and dedication to quality. Using only the finest ingredients, they consistently deliver fish and chips of the highest standard. The judges agreed that Monster Fish & Chips Co. is a truly deserving winner of this money-can’t-buy prize package worth over £10,000! 

Commenting on their achievement Daniel and Claire Sandham, Owners, Monster Fish & Chips Co. says: 

“We are incredibly proud and honoured to receive The Peter Hill Award 2025. It’s a privilege to be recognised within the fish and chip industry so early in our journey, especially among so many dedicated and talented professionals. This award means a great deal and reinforces our commitment to maintaining the highest quality and standards in everything we do. I’d also like to thank our team, suppliers and industry partners for their continued support and collaboration.” 

2 / 3

Speaking about the Winner, Ryan Baker, Sales Manager, Middleton Foods says:  

“We’re absolutely thrilled to announce Daniel, Claire, and their fantastic team at Monster Fish & Chips Co. as the very deserving winners of The Peter Hill Award 2025! The competition this year was incredibly strong once again, with so many outstanding entries across the board. However, the judges were particularly impressed by Monster’s exceptional quality, consistency, and dedication to excellence – values that truly embody the spirit of this award. Huge congratulations to the whole team on this well-earned recognition!” 

As well as the kudos of being announced Winner of the inaugural Peter Hill Award, the spectacular prize won by Monster Fish & Chips Co. includes £1,000 worth of Middleton Foods stock; design of their own, ‘own label’ bespoke batter mix; two places at the KFE School of Frying Excellence; membership of the NFFF for one year; 1-1 ForkedUp training with Calum Richardson, for 3 months; two tickets to the Fish & Chip Shop of the Year Awards 2026 (with hotel accommodation and travel expenses); a years’ support from Middleton Foods very own Batter Boys and additional support for National Fish and Chip Day 2026!  

The Award was a hotly run contest, with a fantastic number of entries. The Peter Hill Award 2025 finalists are: The Cottage, Blackpool; The Friary, Beauly; Monster Fish & Chips Co., Fort Augustus; Grandpa’s Fish Bar, Durham; and Reel Plaice, Ayr. These runners-up will each receive £300 of Middleton Foods stock and one place at the KFE School of Frying Excellence, with accommodation. 

The Peter Hill Award was launched by Middleton Foods in memory of its late CEO, Peter Hill, to reflect Peter’s passion for his beloved fish and chip industry. Peter loved the industry so much and was always keen to support and nurture new talent in the trade he adored. The Peter Hill Award recognises newcomers to the industry, encourages new talent, promotes quality and excellence and allows us to give something back to the trade. 

Middleton Foods would like to thank the independent expert judging panel – Calum Richardson, Fred Capel, Nigel Hodgson and Nikki Williams. 

For more information on Middleton Foods or contact The Batter Boys, (who are on hand to assist with any obstacles fish fryers face, at a moment’s notice!) please visit www.middletonfoods.com or call +44 (0)1902 608122. 

For further information on The Peter Hill Award, please visit www.middletonfoods.com/the-peter-hill-award.