‘Plate’ expectations: 10 restaurants open to win National Fish & Chip Award

The National Fish & Chip Awards is today announcing the shortlist of the UK’s best restaurants which are keeping communities happy and coming back for more of the treasured chippy treat.

Restaurant of the Year is the title that 10 deserving outlets are hoping to take away at the 2026 edition of the industry’s premier award ceremony. In recognition of amazing food, passion for the sector, quality and high-level commitment to serving customers the best of the best, the category entrants will be on the edge of their seats as the competition heats up.

The adjudicating panel has designed a detailed review process that will grade the participants against benchmarks that reinforce best practice and professional integrity to keep standards at the highest levels.

The category is sponsored by the Q Partnership, three independent, family-owned businesses – Friars Pride, Henry Colbeck and V.A. Whitley – with 280 years’ combined expertise supplying the UK fish and chip market with goods and services.

The 10 restaurants that have been tipped for the top at the 2026 awards are:

Bristol

Noah’s

Devon

Squires Fish Restaurant & Take Away, Braunton

Lincolnshire

Linfords Traditional Fish and Chips, Market Deeping

London

Golden Union, Soho

Seashell of Lisson Grove, Marylebone

Norfolk

No1 Cromer

Nottinghamshire

The Cod’s Scallops, Nottingham

Somerset

Tuckers Fish & Chips, Cheddar

Yorkshire

Trenchers of Whitby

Whitby’s Restaurant & Take Away, Rotherham

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of the UK high street, and they provide the kind of opportunity, variety and individuality that boosts economies and brings us all together, and we are taking this opportunity to champion this year’s standout restaurants,” Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), which runs the flagship event, says.

“The shortlisted 10 are making long-lasting contributions to uphold the great British institution of fish and chips, whether it’s with a traditional take or elevated to fine dining status. Sitting down at the table with family or friends to enjoy a fantastic meal is where memories are made and it’s wonderful to see these restaurants creating shared experiences across multi-generations with great precision. I have a feeling that Restaurant of Year is going to be a tough one to separate the winner – all the best to our contenders!” Andrew adds.

Luke Townsend, marketing manager at Friars Pride, offers his congratulations to the group: “Friars Pride is thrilled to congratulate the top 10 shortlisted restaurants for the Restaurant of the Year award at the National Fish & Chip Awards. Each of these incredible shops truly demonstrates a deep passion for the industry and a commitment to providing an outstanding experience for every customer. We wish all of you the very best of luck in the next round of the awards.

“As a family business ourselves, we understand the dedication and passion the family-run businesses within the fish and chip industry have. We are proud to be sponsoring the Restaurant of the Year category alongside the Q Partnership, and we’re delighted to play a part in celebrating such a high level of excellence.”

Georgina Colbeck, director at Henry Colbeck, speaks highly of the UK’s 10 best: “We are thrilled for those outstanding restaurants that have been selected for the Top 10 this year, especially because it means one of them will win the recently introduced Best Restaurant Plate – supplied by the Q Partnership! The restaurant category deserves the kudos of winning its own trophy and we can’t wait to see the next winner lifting that plate at the awards. Good luck to each and every one of the Top 10.”

Robert Fernandes, Marketing Manager at V.A. Whitley, says of the shortlist: “As proud, returning sponsors of the Restaurant of the Year category at the National Fish & Chip Awards 2026, V.A.Whitley is delighted to see things heating up as the competition heads to the next stages. Each of these restaurants has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to quality, innovation, and customer experience – true ambassadors for the nation’s favourite dish of fish and chips. We congratulate them all and look forward to celebrating their continued success on the journey to the finals.”

The Framwellgate Moor branch of Bells Fish & Chips in County Durham claimed the

Restaurant of the Year 2025 award, and managing director of the eatery, Graham Kennedy is full of encouragement for this year’s competitors: “Huge congratulations to the ten shortlisted for Restaurant of the Year 2026. Winning this award was one of the proudest moments in our history and an experience our team will never forget. It was challenging, exciting and immensely rewarding in equal measure.

“To this year’s contenders, enjoy every step of the journey and take pride in the recognition your hard work has earned. I wish each of you the very best of luck as the competition unfolds.”

Prep is no doubt underway for the restaurant hopefuls who will be brushing up on their product knowledge, making sure their operations will stand up under a sustainability microscope, and their chippy teas are faultless, as the judges assess every part of their businesses.

The highest scoring five will progress to the semi-finals which will be announced later this year, with the overall winner to be crowned on 25 February at the awards ceremony at the Park Plaza, Westminster Bridge.

Seafood from Iceland will also invite the winner and two runners-up on an unforgettable exploration of the Icelandic seafood industry. The three-day trip in June will coincide with the nation’s Fishermen’s Day weekend celebrations, company visits and activities in the remote and stunning Westfjords.   

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