UK’s Top 10 Young Friars Poised for Award Glory

A group of ambitious young professionals is making waves as semi-finalists in the prestigious Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year category at the National Fish & Chip Awards 2026. These talented individuals, all aged 25 and under, are vying to become the 27th recipient of this esteemed award, showcasing exceptional techniques in preparing the perfect fish and chips.

Outstanding Young Talent

The ten semi-finalists have demonstrated remarkable skill and a deep understanding of various frying techniques, from selecting the best oils to chipping potatoes to perfection. Their commitment to delivering top-quality meals sets them apart in the competitive world of fish frying.

This Year’s Semi-Finalists

This year’s contenders include:

• Abigail Barker – Millers Fish and Chips, Haxby, Yorkshire
• Kieran Bulpit – Donington Fish and Chips, Spalding, Lincolnshire
• Amy Crombleholme – Hunters Fish & Chips, Louth, Lincolnshire
• James Ellams – Fish & Chips @ Weston Grove, Chester, Cheshire
• Matthew Faulkner – Cox’s at the Lighthouse, St Neots, Cambridgeshire
• Charlie James – Pier Point, Torquay, Devon
• Ben Langlands – Anstruther Fish Bar, Anstruther, Scotland
• Dylan MacDonald – Lows Traditional Fish & Chips, Aberdeen, Scotland
• Jack Spencer – Queens Drive Fish & Chips, Ossett, Yorkshire
• Megan White – Herts & Essex Foods – The Golden Fillet, Clacton, Essex

Industry Leaders Applaud Talent

Kelvin Lee, managing director of Drywite Ltd, expresses pride in this year’s semi-finalists:

“I am very pleased to see both new and old faces reaching this year’s Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year semi-final. All are extremely talented individuals, and I wish them the best of luck in the next round of the competition.”

Innovative Approaches and Training

Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), adds:

“The 2026 semi-finalists are in a league of their own. Their attention to detail in preparing batter, potatoes, and fish showcases a profound respect for the produce. These ambitious individuals are not only honing their skills but are also collaborating with each other to push the limits of their craft.”

Next Steps and the Awaiting Awards Ceremony

The next phase for these ten hopefuls involves a rigorous evaluation by seasoned industry judges at their respective shops. This assessment will determine which candidates advance to the final stage. The winner will be announced at the awards ceremony in London on February 25 at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge.

Join the Celebration

Tickets for this must-attend event in the fish and chip industry are available now at https://thefishandchipawards.com/event-tickets/.

For More Information

For additional details about the National Fish & Chip Awards, please visit: www.thefishandchipawards.com.