The 2020-21 Fry Magazine Awards will go live for entry on Monday 8th June but with a number of changes.

In light of the coronavirus pandemic and with many restaurants uncertain as to when they will be able to safely reopen, the 10 Best Restaurants category has been put on hold for 20-21.

The 50 Best Takeaways Award and 10 Best Mobile Units Award will go ahead as normal and businesses wanting to enter can do so online at www.frymagazine.com as of Monday.

Any restaurant currently operating as a takeaway can enter the takeaway award if they wish.

Entry remains quick and simple with a short online form all that’s needed before a mystery diner is sent unannounced to assess front of house, food quality, service and the overall customer experience.

The mystery dining paper will be as extensive as ever, however, to ensure complete fairness the criteria will be adapted to reflect a change in operating practices as a result of coronavirus.

Those shops with the best scores will make the 50 Best and 10 Best lists, revealed in March 2021. Every takeaway and van that enters receives their mystery dining paper so they can evaluate and improve their practices and processes. Entry remains anonymous and we never share the names of the shops that entered - only those that make the awards.

Reece Head, competition organiser, comments: “No-one could have predicted the turn of events that have taken place so far this year, but I’m pleased to say the fish and chip industry has shown resilience, strength and adaptability to remain open for business and to feed our nation through the pandemic. It gives us great pleasure, therefore, for the ninth year in a row, to search out the stand-out shops and vans as we look to crown the 50 Best Takeaways and 10 Best Mobile Units.

“Unfortunately, the current situation means we are unable to go ahead with the restaurant category. Even if by November all restaurants are open, we feel it is unfair to subject them to a rigorous inspection process and, therefore, those that made our 10 Best Restaurants Award this year will retain their title for another 12 months, enabling them to maximise their win next year.”

Fry Magazine Awards are sponsored by Goldensheaf, Frymax, Friars Pride, VA Whitley, Henry Colbecks, Middleton Foods, KFE, Brakes, Profry, BD Signs, Nortech Foods, Sarson’s and Acumen.

To enter your takeaway or mobile unit, visit www.frymagazine.com from Monday 8th June. Terms and conditions apply. The awards close for entry on 30th November 2020.