Fish & Chip Award Winners Embark on a Dream Journey to Iceland

At the end of May, Business Iceland (Íslandsstofa), representing the “Seafood from Iceland” marketing project, organized an unforgettable four-day tour of Iceland for the winners of the National Fish & Chip Awards 2025. Accompanied by key stakeholders and selected media representatives, this journey aimed to showcase the importance of Iceland’s fishing industry while offering an authentic taste of the Icelandic celebration known as “Fisherman’s Day” in a traditional fishing village.

A Journey Through Iceland’s Coastal Treasures

The adventure began in the charming northern town of Siglufjörður, where the group toured Ísfélagið/Rammi, a leading producer of sea-frozen fillets destined for the UK market, and explored the impressive freezer trawler Sólberg ÓF-1.

The itinerary also included visits to the Samherji processing plant in Dalvík, a scenic beer tasting at Segull 67, and a tranquil soak in the Hauganes hot pots. En route to the east, participants enjoyed refreshments at Fish & Chips by Lake Mývatn and at Fjallakaffi in Möðrudalur á Fjöllum.

Celebrating Fisherman’s Day

In East Iceland, the guests joined the Fisherman’s Day festivities in Neskaupstaður, greeted warmly by the local community.

A highlight of the day was a celebratory sailing trip in Norðfjörður, where guests relished fish stew at Beitiskúrin and cheered on local rowers in traditional competitions. The festivities concluded with a lively dinner and Fisherman’s Day Ball hosted by Síldarvinnslan.

Fish & Chips by Lake Mývatn

Deepening Connections

Everywhere they went, the group was met with extraordinary warmth and hospitality. Graeme William Burrell, owner of Yarm Road Fish and Chips and the winner of Best Fish & Chip Restaurant in the UK shared his impressions:

“The reception here in Iceland has been exceptional. Everyone has been incredibly friendly and hospitable. The visits were highly informative, and we now have a much deeper understanding of what Icelandic fish represents.”

Burrell was particularly touched by his visit to Neskaupstaður, where he boarded the freezer trawler Blængur NK 125, a vessel he regularly sources fish from.

Josette Foster, owner of Fish & Chip Weston Grove in Chester and a board member of the National Federation of Fish Friers, reminisced about the experience:

“It’s hard to put a price on this trip. We’ve seen so many exciting things. The nature, the food, the company, and the Icelandic hospitality have all been truly outstanding. It’s clear that the Icelandic fishing industry is doing remarkable work.”

Conclusion

This enriching visit provided firsthand insights into the strength and quality of Iceland’s fishing sector. Now back in the UK, both Graeme and Josette are eager to share their unforgettable experiences, celebrating the fish, the people, and the vibrant culture of Iceland’s coastal communities.

Source

Photos from the trip © Business Iceland