Twenty Fish and Chip Takeaways Reach Semi-Finals of National Awards

It’s a prestigious title that many fish and chip shops aspire to achieve, and for 20 standout businesses, that dream is inching closer to reality. These establishments are vying for the coveted title of 2026 Takeaway of the Year at the National Fish & Chip Awards, with Seafood from Norway as the principal sponsor.

The Path to Recognition

The Takeaway of the Year category is backed by prominent industry names including Friars Pride, Henry Colbeck, McWhinney’s Sausages, Seafood from Iceland, Smales, and V.A. Whitley. Following last month’s announcement of the top 40 shortlist, a rigorous knock-out round was held to narrow the competition.

Rigorous Inspections

A well-acclaimed team of experts performed detailed evaluations of the participating chippies based on criteria such as product selection, industry knowledge, quality, and sustainability, successfully reducing the list of semifinalists by half.

Setting a High Standard

The National Fish & Chip Awards, as the headline event of the sector, boasts a reputation for meticulousness and a commitment to best practices. According to Andrew Crook, President of the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), which organizes the awards, “There’s nowhere to hide when a chippy puts itself forward for our awards. The rigorous process is designed to challenge and inspire all participants, providing them with valuable insights on how to enhance their operations, regardless of the outcome.”

Championing a Beloved Tradition

He further emphasizes the cultural significance of fish and chips, saying, “They hold a special place in people’s hearts, and we must ensure that they continue to do so. These 20 semi-finalists truly represent the love for this cherished dish.”

Meet the Semi-Finalists

The following are the 20 nationally recognized takeaways making strides in the competition:

England

Cornwall

Kellaway’s Fish and Chips, Truro

County Durham

Bells Fish and Chips, Durham

Devon

Emerald Fish Bar, Newton Abbott

Taffs Fish and Chips, Torrington

Essex

The Fish Inn, Clacton-on-Sea

Greater Manchester

Taylors, Stockport

Hampshire

Mike’s Traditional Fish & Chips, Eastleigh

Kent

Newington Fish Bar, Ramsgate

Lincolnshire

Catch 22, Tattershall

London

Brockley’s Rock, Brockley

Oxfordshire

Harrison’s Fish & Chip Co., Oxford

Yorkshire

Mister C’s, Selby

Shaws Fish and Chips of Dodworth, Barnsley

The Fish Bank, Sherburn-in-Elmet

The Scrap Box, York

Wales

Anglesey

Finney’s Fish and Chips, Benllech

Glamorgan

Zero Plus Fish & Chips, Cardiff

Scotland

Aberdeenshire

Garioch Fish Bar, Inverurie

Lows Traditional Fish & Chips (Berryden), Aberdeen

Ayrshire

The Fish Works, Largs

The Road Ahead

The next step for these top 20 takeaways will be the interview stage, leading to the announcement of the final 10 contenders next month. The awards ceremony will take place on February 25 at the Park Plaza, Westminster Bridge, where the ultimate winner will be inducted into the Hall of Fame, joining the 2025 champion, Yarm Road Fish & Chips from Darlington, County Durham.

Get Involved

Tickets for the National Fish & Chips Awards are available now. For more information and to secure your spot, visit this link.

Messages from Sponsors

“We are delighted to congratulate the Top 20 takeaways shortlisted for the Takeaway of the Year award! This showcases their incredible dedication and commitment to the fish and chip industry. Best of luck to each of them as they progress!” – Luke Townsend, Marketing Manager at Friars Pride.

“Congratulations to the Top 20 takeaways – running a business while engaging in awards is a strong testament to their commitment!” – Georgina Colbeck, Marketing Director at Henry Colbeck.

“McWhinney’s Sausages proudly supports the National Fish & Chip Awards, and we salute the commitment shown by all entrants.” – Scott McWhinney, Sales and Marketing Director at McWhinney’s Sausages.

“We are excited to support the National Fish & Chip Awards and the chefs sourcing quality, sustainable seafood.” – Björgvin Þór Björgvinsson, Project Manager for Seafood from Iceland.

“The Top 20 represents the incredible talent and dedication in our industry. We look forward to seeing who makes the Top 10!” – Robert Fernandes, Marketing Manager at V.A. Whitley.

“We are thrilled to support this world-class sector, providing responsibly sourced seafood to quality operators.” – Bjørn-Erik Stabell, UK Country Director for the Norwegian Seafood Council.