Isle of Ely Open Day 2026
September 8, 2026
The top 40 fish and chip shop contenders for the prized Takeaway of the Year category have been officially announced by the National Fish & Chip Awards with Seafood from Norway as principal sponsor.
Selected from entries across the UK, the businesses in the longlist have impressed judges with their outstanding food quality, customer service, industry expertise and commitment to sustainable practices. Representing fish and chip-loving communities, these exceptional takeaways now move one step closer to claiming one of the highest honours in the fish and chip industry, as the search for the nation’s best chippy gathers pace.
The awards are now in their 39th year and continue to lead the way in elevating industry standards and encouraging innovation. This year, there are 14 categories for national and international businesses to enter, which includes the hotly contested Restaurant of the Year, Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year, Newcomer of the Year, Field to Frier, Mobile Operator of the Year, Environment and Sustainable Business, and of course, one of the profession’s ultimate distinctions – Takeaway of the Year.
The Takeaway of the Year category is proudly supported by some of the biggest names in the fish and chip sector. Their backing helps recognise the hard work and ambition of operators delivering fantastic food experiences for communities.
This year the sponsors are BD Signs, Friars Pride, Henry Colbeck, McWhinney’s Sausages, Seafood from Iceland, Smales and V.A. Whitley.
The top 40 takeaways with eyes on the prize are:
Bristol
Devon
Chippies Plaice, Newton Abbot
Taffs Fish and Chips, Torrington
Dorset
Somewhere Else Fishy, Sherborne
Essex
Greater Manchester
Taylors, Stockport
Hampshire
Berties, New Milton
Best Fry, Southampton
Mike’s Traditional Fish and Chips, Eastleigh
Mister Pink’s, Milford-on-Sea
Hertfordshire
The Corner Plaice, Rickmansworth
Lancashire
The Cottage, Blackpool
Lincolnshire
Catch 22, Tattershall
Linfords Fish and Chips, Market Deeping
Pips Chips, Cleethorpes
London
Chipping Wharf Fish & Chips, Bow
Fish! Kitchen, Southwark
Skipjacks, Harrow
Merseyside
The Good Catch (Freshfield), Liverpool
Norfolk
Grosvenor Fish Bar, Norwich
Nottinghamshire
Angell’s Fisheries, Newark
Oxfordshire
Harrison’s Fish & Chip Co., Oxford
Somerset
Knights Fish Restaurant, Glastonbury
Suffolk
Tulula’s Fish & Chips, Halesworth
Surrey
The Hake, Weybridge
Yorkshire
The Fish Bank, Sherburn-in-Elmet
Northern Ireland
County Antrim
Browns Award Winning Fish and Chips, Belfast
Merchant Fish and Chips, Ballymena
County Down
The Frying Squad (Balloo), Bangor
McCann’s Fish & Chips, Newcastle
Scotland
Aberdeenshire
Garioch Fish Bar, Inverurie
Lows Traditional Fish & Chips (Westhill), Aberdeen
Ayrshire
Enzo’s Fish and Chips, Irvine
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
Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), which runs the awards, comments: “As we celebrate the 39th year of the National Fish & Chip Awards, it’s brilliant to see talent, passion, excellent professionalism and dedication to their craft on display. Every year, the Takeaway of the Year standard continues to rise and this new list of top 40 contenders exemplify that.
“It’s the people behind these businesses that make our industry what it is. We are proud to celebrate the owners, teams and young talent whose passion and hard work keep this much-loved tradition thriving. Recognition like this is about far more than trophies – it’s about acknowledging the individuals who go above and beyond for their customers and communities every single day.”
Andrew continues: “This year we are particularly keen to shine a light on the opportunities our industry offers, from developing lifelong skills to fulfilling dreams of running a successful business. It’s a sector that rewards hard work and creates genuine career satisfaction for professionals from all walks of life. We’re proud to champion the next generation of talent as they build on the achievements of those who have come before them and help shape the future of fish and chips.
“Good luck to everyone who makes it through to the next stage, and we can’t wait to see the results next February at the awards.”
The competition’s judges, which is made up of sector specialists, longlisted the 40 businesses to progress to the next round of assessments for the UK’s most prestigious awards of its kind.
The hopefuls will undergo a comprehensive evaluation covering product quality, hygiene, environmental and operational sustainability, customer service, and industry knowledge and more. This ensures the highest standards are upheld from behind-the-scenes operations to the customer experience. Entry is free, and all participants receive tailored feedback recognising their strengths and identifying opportunities for improvement.
Aman Dhesi, co-owner of The Scrap Box in York, Yorkshire, which is the current Takeaway of the Year titleholder says: “More than six months on from winning, we’re still seeing the impact of the award. It gave the business a huge boost, as did reaching the top 10 the year before but probably the biggest thing has been the opportunities it’s opened up for us outside the shop, from media and travel to meeting people across the industry and getting involved in some really exciting projects.
“For those in the top 40, I’d say enjoy the process and make the most of it. The awards journey really makes you look closely at your own business – what you do well, what makes you different and where you can still improve. We learned a huge amount through the process before we ever won. And don’t try to second-guess what the judges want. Be proud of what makes your shop yours and tell that story.”
Only 20 will make it to the next stage, which is the semi-finals. The Top 10 will be revealed in a couple months’ time, and the awards ceremony will take place on 24 February at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London, where the new winner will be announced.
Sponsor quotes
“The top 40 is a fantastic recognition of the passion and commitment that fish and chip businesses across the UK bring to their craft every day. Behind every great portion of fish and chips is a focus on quality, from carefully sourced seafood to the skill and care that goes into preparing and serving it.
“At Seafood from Iceland, we are proud to support an industry that values quality seafood and the people and stories behind it. Congratulations to all 40 businesses on reaching this stage of the competition. We wish them the very best as the awards progress and look forward to celebrating their achievements along the way.” Björgvin Þór Björgvinsson, Project Manager for Seafood from Iceland
“As a major contributor to the event, we are incredibly proud to be celebrating our 20th year of supporting this fantastic occasion. Having worked with more than 4,500 fish and chip shops, this is always a special event for us. It’s wonderful to see so many of our existing customers coming together to celebrate their achievements.
“We would like to wish all the candidates the very best of luck on the day. Whether you win or not, reaching this stage is a fantastic achievement, and you should all be incredibly proud of what you have accomplished.
“To all the shop owners and staff, we are here to support you. Take the time to enjoy the day, celebrate your success and recognise just how far you have come. And remember, when you’re ready for future support, don’t forget to give us a call. We’re here to help with all your digital and point-of-sale needs, including exclusive sponsor discounts. Most importantly, enjoy the day — you have done great to get this far! Here’s to another fantastic year!” Barry Dickman, director and founder of BDSigns & BDigital
“The National Fish & Chip Awards continue to showcase the incredible talent and dedication that exist across our industry. Reaching the Top 40 in the Takeaway of the Year category is a fantastic achievement and reflects the hard work these businesses put into delivering exceptional food and service to their communities every day.
“At Friars Pride, we are proud to support The National Fish & Chip Awards, as they celebrate excellence while helping to raise standards across the sector. We would like to congratulate all of this year’s Top 40 contenders and wish them the very best of luck as they progress through the competition.” Luke Townsend, marketing manager at Friars Pride
“A great fish and chip shop gives people a reason to return time and time again. That takes care, skill and consistency, from choosing quality ingredients to making every customer feel welcome. As a family business supporting fish and chip shops, we know how much work goes into getting those details right. Once again, we’re proud to sponsor Takeaway of the Year and celebrate the shops setting such a strong example for our industry. Congratulations to all 40 businesses and the teams behind them – you have every reason to be proud.” Darren Anderson, Marketing Manager at Henry Colbeck
“McWhinney’s Sausages is proud to return as sponsors of the National Fish & Chip Awards. This important event gives our hard-working and dedicated industry an opportunity to get together and recognise the exceptional work undertaken by the best shops nationwide. It is always a pleasure to see that our core principle of quality above all else is still held in high regard by operators who take pride in offering premium meals to their customers.” Scott McWhinney, sales and marketing director at McWhinney’s Sausages
“V.A. Whitley is proud to continue its longstanding support of the National Fish & Chip Awards and to play a part in celebrating the very best businesses and people within this fantastic industry.
“Reaching the top 40 in the Takeaway of the Year category is a fantastic achievement and is testament to the hard work, dedication and passion shown by fish and chip businesses across the country. With so many great operators striving for excellence, making it to this stage is something every one of these businesses should be incredibly proud of.
“As a longstanding supporter of the awards, V.A. Whitley understands the importance of recognising and celebrating the standards, innovation and resilience that continues to drive our great industry forward. We would like to congratulate all of the top 40 and wish every business the very best of luck as the judging process continues.
“We look forward to seeing which outstanding fish and chip takeaways progress to the next stage and, ultimately, take their place among the very best in the country.” Robert Fernandes, Marketing Manager at V.A. Whitley
“The businesses named in this year’s top 40 represent some of the very best fish and chip operators in the UK. Their dedication to quality seafood, customer experience and high standards helps ensure that fish and chips remain one of the nation’s favourite meals.
“Seafood from Norway is proud to support an industry that introduces consumers to great seafood every day. Congratulations to all those who have reached this stage, and we look forward to seeing how the competition develops as the awards continue to recognise excellence across the sector.” 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.
Image caption: LtR – Gavin and Aman Dhesi of The Scrap Box – Takeaway of the Year winner 2026
Image credit: National Fish & Chip Awards
