National Fish & Chip Awards puts 20 top takeaways on the map

The National Fish & Chip Awards – with Seafood from Norway as principal sponsor – has announced the UK’s 20 semi-finalist chippies for its coveted Takeaway of the Year title, which celebrates the nation’s finest fish and chip businesses.

And, to mark the announcement, the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), organiser of the awards and standard bearer for the sector, has released a map highlighting the 20 contenders across the UK, making it easier than ever for fish and chip fans to find their nearest shortlisted takeaway. Explore the interactive map to discover the semi-finalists.

As the industry’s official awards, the National Fish & Chip Awards recognise and reward excellence. It’s free to enter, and participants face thorough vetting to ensure those shortlisted meet the sector’s demanding standards. 

Reaching this stage is an outstanding achievement but there’s still plenty more to come for the semi-finalists. In the next round, the panel of experts will assess every aspect of their businesses, scoring them on product knowledge, sourcing, ingredient preparation, food hygiene and customer service, while also looking at their commitment to representing Britain’s much-loved takeaway.

The National Federation of Fish Friers’ President Andrew Crook says: “Whittling down the longlist of 40 to our Takeaway of the Year top 20 has been a very difficult task. Every one of them brings their own unique qualities, strengths and something extra special to the table. 

“The judging process is incredibly detailed and appraises every element of what makes an exceptional fish and chip business. To deliver across all these areas to the standard demonstrated by these chippies deserves to be shouted about. They should all be immensely proud of what they have achieved and we’re calling on communities to keep supporting small independent businesses.

“All those who make it through each stage of the competition are setting the benchmark for what can be achieved through passion, commitment and the determination to do things to the highest possible standards. They are helping to pass the baton of excellence to the next generation and setting the standard for others to follow. 

“Our top 20 are inspiring examples of that in action, and we very much look forward to celebrating their achievements as we progress through the competition and on to the next round.”

Backing the very best in the business, this year’s Takeaway of the Year category is proudly sponsored by BD Signs, Friars Pride, Henry Colbeck, McWhinney’s Sausages, Seafood from Iceland, Smales and V.A. Whitley . Their ongoing support plays a vital role in elevating the industry’s achievements, raising standards and inspiring fish and chip shops to thrive.

The 20 fish and chip takeaways earning national recognition are:

Bristol

Jolly Fryer

Dorset

Somewhere Else Fishy, Sherborne

Essex

The Hook of Halstead

Greater Manchester

Taylors, Stockport

Hampshire

Mike’s Traditional Fish and Chips, Eastleigh

Lancashire

The Cottage, Blackpool

Lincolnshire

Catch 22, Tattershall

Linfords Fish and Chips, Market Deeping

Merseyside

The Good Catch (Freshfield), Liverpool

Nottinghamshire

Angell’s Fisheries, Newark

Oxfordshire

Harrison’s Fish & Chip Co., Oxford

Somerset

Knights Fish Restaurant, Glastonbury

Surrey

The Hake, Weybridge 

Yorkshire

The Fish Bank, Sherburn-in-Elmet

Scotland 

Aberdeenshire

Garioch Fish Bar, Inverurie

Ayrshire

The Fish Works, Largs

Inverness-shire

Hilton Chip Shop, Inverness

Monster Fish & Chips Co., Fort Augustus

Wales

Powys

Hennighan’s Fish & Chips Bottom Shop, Machynlleth

Vale of Glamorgan

Farnhams Fish and Chips (Boverton), Llantwit Major

The final 10 chippies will be revealed in December, ahead of the awards ceremony on 24 February at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London, where the new winner will take centre stage as Takeaway of the Year. 

Sponsor quotes

“Reaching the top 20 is a remarkable achievement and a reflection of the dedication, expertise and high standards that these businesses bring to the fish and chip industry. Great fish and chips start long before they reach the fryer, with quality seafood, thoughtful sourcing and a genuine understanding of the ingredients that make this British classic so special. 

“At Seafood from Iceland, we believe that exceptional seafood deserves exceptional craftsmanship, and it is inspiring to see businesses that share this commitment being recognised. Congratulations to all 20 semi-finalists on this well-deserved achievement. We look forward to following their journey as the competition moves towards the final.” Björgvin Þór Björgvinsson, Project Manager for Seafood from Iceland

“Being recognised in the National Fish & Chip Awards can be a real gamechanger for a business. Reaching the top 20 is a fantastic achievement in itself, shining a spotlight on the hard work, passion and commitment that goes into running an outstanding fish and chip shop. For the businesses involved, that recognition can help raise their profile, attract new customers and build even greater loyalty within their local communities.

“Winning the title of Takeaway of the Year can take those opportunities even further, putting a business on the national stage and opening doors to new opportunities, partnerships and future growth. These awards are about more than celebrating success today; they can help create a lasting legacy for a business and inspire the next chapter of its journey. At BD Signs, we’re proud to support an initiative that champions excellence, recognises ambition and helps independent businesses reach their full potential.” Barry Dickman, director and founder of BDSigns & BDigital

“Congratulations to all top 20 shops who have earned their place in this year’s Takeaway of the Year competition. The standard across the fish and chip industry continues to rise, and it’s fantastic to see businesses being recognised for their dedication to quality, customer service and innovation. As a long-standing supporter of the trade, Friars Pride is proud to sponsor the National Fish & Chip Awards and celebrate the hard work, passion and professionalism that these operators demonstrate every day. We wish all 20 shops the very best of luck as they progress through the next stage of the competition.” Luke Townsend, marketing manager at Friars Pride 

“Behind every takeaway on this shortlist is a team whose expertise and hard work deserve national recognition. From the decisions made about sourcing to the care taken in preparation and the standards maintained throughout a busy service, there is an enormous amount that customers never see. Reaching the top 20 is a credit to the people responsible for that work. At Henry Colbeck, we’re proud to support awards that give those teams the recognition they deserve and help more people discover the outstanding businesses in our industry. Congratulations to all 20 semi-finalists.” Darren Anderson, Marketing Manager at Henry Colbeck 

“As the competition draws nearer, McWhinney’s Sausages remains proud of the tenacity shown by the industry in the face of the challenges the last few years have presented. The dedication to quality remains a cornerstone of our business and we are delighted that the so many shops share our ethos of only serving the very best to their valued customers.” Scott McWhinney, sales and marketing director at McWhinney’s Sausages

“Reaching the top 20 in Takeaway of the Year as part of the official National Fish & Chip Awards is a fantastic achievement and everyone at V.A. Whitley would like to congratulate the businesses that have made it through to this stage.

“The standard within the fish and chip industry continues to impress, and narrowing such a strong group of friers down from 40 to 20 is no easy task. These businesses should be incredibly proud of what they have achieved so far.

“As a longstanding supplier to the fish and chip trade, V.A. Whitley is extremely proud to sponsor this prestigious category and to support an awards programme that celebrates the passion, commitment and high standards that keep our industry moving forward. We wish all of the top 20 the very best of luck for the next stage and look forward to seeing who progresses further in the competition.” Robert Fernandes, Marketing Manager at V.A. Whitley

“Congratulations to all 20 semi-finalists on reaching this stage of the National Fish & Chip Awards. Being recognised among the UK’s top fish and chip businesses is a significant achievement and reflects a commitment to quality, consistency and delivering a great experience for customers.

“Fish and chips remain one of the nation’s most loved meals, and the businesses recognised this year continue to showcase the very best of the sector. Their dedication to sourcing quality seafood and maintaining high standards helps ensure the industry remains strong and relevant for future generations.

“Seafood from Norway is proud to support the National Fish & Chip Awards and the wider fish and chip industry. We wish all the semi-finalists the very best as the competition progresses and look forward to celebrating their achievements in the months ahead.” Bjørn-Erik Stabell, UK Director of the Norwegian Seafood Council 

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