UK’s best new chippies named as finalists for Newcomer of the Year award

They’ve been on the fish and chip scene for less than two years, but three outstanding chippies in Devon, Yorkshire and Northern Ireland are off to a ‘frying’ start in their business journey having made it to the National Fish & Chip Awards 2025 final in the Newcomer of the Year category.

The chip shop contenders have excelled during numerous judging stages where they were grilled on all aspects of the industry including product knowledge, environmental and sustainability best practice, teamwork and more.

The top three graded the highest will now head to London for the finale in February to find out if they have won the Newcomer of the Year gong like Redcloak Fish Bar in Stonehaven, Scotland did at the 2024 awards. The finalists are:

• Alan’s Fish and Chips in Cullompton, Devon
• Mackerel Sky in Stamford Bridge, East Riding of Yorkshire
• Skipper Jacks in Clogher, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland

Awards organiser and president of the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF) Andrew Crook, says the trio have very bright futures ahead of them: “Congratulations to the finalists who have outdone themselves in all criteria. Each business owner has demonstrated a hunger to learn, and they’ve been absorbing all the feedback which is why they have made it to the final.

“The industry experts are thoroughly impressed by the calibre on display and there’s no doubt all will be successful in everything they set out to achieve regardless of the outcome of the awards. Up next for them will be the mystery shopper visits to determine who will be crowned the winner – we wish all competitors the very best.”

Sponsoring the award is ADM/Frymax and its UK Brand & Marketing Manager Andrew Marriott says: “Frymax is once again proud to sponsor the Newcomer of the Year award. This is in recognition of those who show the initiative, commitment and commercial acumen to enter our great industry. New entrants are part of the lifeblood of the fish and chip trade and their entrance into the business is vital for our future prosperity.”

The National Fish & Chip Awards 2025 will take place on 26 February at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London.

You’re invited to see who wins, so secure your tickets now for what is set to be a great celebration: https://thefishandchipawards.com/event-tickets/.

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