Spud news: Five chippies named as Field to Frier semi-finalists at National Fish & Chip Awards
November 3, 2026
The National Fish & Chip Awards has revealed the top three finalists in its Mobile Operator of the Year category, which recognises businesses that consistently deliver exceptional fish and chips, first-class customer service and high standards wherever they trade.
From a fantastic pool of mobile units, vans and trucks, three chippies on wheels have been selected to proceed in the competition having pulled out all the stops to impress the judges with their quality and commitment to excellence. And now, these outstanding operators are within touching distance of claiming one of the industry’s top accolades.
Mobile fish and chip operators are a vital part of the sector, bringing the much-loved culinary experience directly to customers in different locations for occasions. The National Fish & Chip Awards, the official competition for the fish and chip industry, shines a light on these independent businesses, celebrating their creativity, entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to quality and menu diversification to engage with customers whilst out in the ‘field’.
The three chippies hoping to follow in the tracks of Northumberland-based Frosty’s Mobile Chippy, the 2026 Mobile Operator of the Year, are:
Cumbria
The Chippie Van, Penrith
Nottinghamshire
The Cod’s Scallops on Tour, Nottingham
Tyne and Wear
The Little Fishy, North Shields
“Running a mobile fish and chip business is a completely different environment to working in a fixed shop,” says Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF) which organises the awards. “These operators are often working at a faster pace, in unfamiliar locations and with limited space and supplies, so they must be agile, adaptable and ready to respond to whatever comes their way. Yet, despite the challenges, they still must be able to deliver fantastic fish and chips, cooked fresh and served on demand.”
“That is what makes reaching this stage of the competition such an achievement. Our final three have demonstrated not only a commitment to quality, but also the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit needed to make a success of a business that is constantly on the move.
“The mobile sector also offers a fantastic opportunity for people to take that step and build something of their own, while reaching customers at weddings, festivals and other events, who may not ordinarily visit their local chippy. Our 2026 winner, Frosty’s, is a great example of what can be achieved when you combine a good idea with hard work, dedication and a determination to succeed.”
Andrew continues: “With the right attitude and a willingness to put the work in, there is real potential to build a successful mobile business in our industry. Our finalists should be incredibly proud of what they have achieved. They are showing that, wherever you are serving from, great fish and chips is built on skill, passion, adaptability and a commitment to giving customers the very best experience.”
Kerry, a global expert for research and development, consumer insight, innovation and food safety and manufacturing, is the sponsor of the category and its National Account Manager Alan Pearce comments: “At Kerry we feel this category is unique. The planning skills, preparation and attention to every detail that is required to operate a successful mobile unit are key to providing great service and great fish and chips, whether catering for a corporate event, your regular village run or a couple’s wedding day.
“We are pleased to be linked with this award category again and its ever-growing importance in the greater fish and chip industry. Good luck to this year’s finalists.”
Cameron Naylor, owner of Frosty’s Mobile Chippy, adds: “Winning Mobile Operator of the Year 2026 is up there with the proudest moments of my life. I put my heart and soul into Frosty’s every day, so having that hard work recognised and being named the best in class on a national stage meant more than I can put into words.
“It’s been an incredibly busy year for Frosty’s. We’ve welcomed lots of new faces alongside our amazing regulars, but one of the biggest surprises has been people travelling hundreds of miles just to try our food. It’s a real compliment and shows just how passionate we are as a nation about fish and chips.”
Cameron continues: “We’ve also seen an increase in private party, wedding and corporate bookings. Meanwhile, our regular village round has become so busy that managing it myself is no longer possible. I now have a small team supporting me, including a social media marketer and cleaners. This support allows me to focus more time on the food and our customers while continuing to grow the business.
“My advice to this year’s finalists is to be proud of how far you’ve come and make the most of the experience. The awards give you the chance to look closely at your business and recognise what you do well and potential areas for improvement. You don’t need to be the biggest business to make an impression – focus on your food, your standards and looking after your customers.
“And to whoever takes home the trophy, soak it all in! Enjoy your trip to Norway – not that I’m jealous or anything! It really was the trip of a lifetime. Good luck to all the finalists!”
An intensive interview process is the final hurdle for the hopefuls to cross before heading to the awards ceremony on 24 February at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in London, to find out which one will take home the top prize.
For more information and bits on the National Fish & Chip Awards, please visit: www.thefishandchipawards.com.
