What a catch! Eight of the UK’s best young fish friers named as award semi-finalists

It’s been a ‘reel-y’ good time so far for eight young fish friers who are now even closer to the chance of scooping the Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year title at next year’s National Fish & Chip Awards.

Earlier this month, the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), organiser of the esteemed industry awards, announced the shortlist of 12 young people from the fish and chip sector showing strong indications of great promise and standout skill.

The eight semi-finalists in this category – all aged 18-25 and with a minimum of six months’ frying experience – who made a lasting impression on the judging panel following an in-depth test of their industry knowledge and frying skills are:

• Abigail Barker – Millers Fish & Chips in Haxby (near York), Yorkshire
• Kieran Bulpit –Linfords Traditional Fish & Chips in Market Deeping, Lincolnshire
• James Ellams – Fish & Chips @ Weston Grove in Chester, Cheshire
• Sebastian Harding Crook – Squires in Braunton, Devon
• Charlie James – Pier Point Fish & Chips in Torquay, Devon
• Scott Kendrew – Millers Fish & Chips in Haxby (near York), Yorkshire
• Charlie Knox – The Carron in Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, Scotland
• Glen Morrison – Garioch Fish Bar in Inverurie, Scotland

These competitors will next face a visit from judges to their shop lasting several hours, here they will be assessed on every aspect of their frying skills and ability as fish friers.

The eventual winner will claim the coveted title from 2024’s winner Jamie Russo from Redcloak Fish Bar in Stonehaven, Scotland.

Known for being the toughest UK fish and chip industry competition, the National Fish & Chip Awards prides itself on helping to hone talent and drive hospitality standards to new heights.

Award sponsor Kelvin Lee, Managing Director of Drywite Ltd, says: “We are very pleased to be running the Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year competition again in 2025. We always find the calibre of young talent coming through the industry amazing, and these eight semi-finalists shortlisted this year have the potential to really drive their fish frying careers forward in the future. It will be a great thrill to present this year’s winner with the Malcolm Lee Trophy at the Fish & Chip Awards in London and for Drywite Limited to become part of their career story.”

Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), adds: “Frying fish correctly is a complex, precise and integral part of the profession that takes a considerable amount of time to perfect, so it’s exciting to see those in the foundation years of their careers are already delivering product at an elevated level. The semi-finalists have taken each judging round in their stride and remained composed throughout – they are going to make great business leaders in years to come and we are delighted for each of them.”

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

Tickets for the awards ceremony are available now by visiting https://thefishandchipawards.com/event-tickets/.

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