Finalists Announced for the National Fish & Chip Awards’ Field to Frier
Three leading chippies in the UK have emerged as finalists for the prestigious Field to Frier award, showcasing their excellence in delivering the nation’s beloved fish and chips. The National Fish & Chip Awards highlight the skill and dedication of these establishments, which are known for their impeccable portions of scrumptious chips.
Celebrating Chip Excellence
This category honors fish and chip professionals who excel not just in flavor but also in the overall presentation of chips, elevating them from mere accompaniments to culinary stars. The annual awards, which are free to enter, offer valuable feedback to participants, spotlighting their strengths while identifying potential areas for improvement.
Rigorous Evaluation Process
A dedicated team of specialists conducted a comprehensive, multi-stage review of all entrants. They focused on various critical elements such as:
- Potato expertise
- Understanding of seasonal variations
- Selection and storage processes
- Preparation techniques
- Frying methods
- Serving sizes
Meet the Finalists
After an intense competition, the following chippies have earned their place in the Field to Frier 2026 finals:
England
Lincolnshire
Linfords Traditional Fish and Chips, Market Deeping
Scotland
Aberdeenshire
Garioch Fish Bar, Inverurie
Ayrshire
The Fish Works, Largs
Expert Recognition
Andrew Crook, the president of the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), expressed his admiration for the finalists:
“Field to Frier is one of the most challenging categories to enter, requiring niche expertise to stand out. Our top three finalists have not only excelled but also demonstrated a profound commitment to their craft, making the judges’ decision particularly difficult this year.”
Sponsor Insights
Isle of Ely Produce, a leading UK potato supplier, co-sponsors the Field to Frier award alongside Babylon producer Agrico UK. Their collaboration emphasizes the significance of quality potatoes in the fish and chip industry.
Oliver Boutwood, director at Isle of Ely Produce, shared his thoughts on the finalists:
“We are looking for the chippy that exemplifies a deep understanding of potato varieties and their preparation. Chips complement over 90% of ordered meals, and these finalists have illustrated their importance to their business.”
Alex Moore, MD of Agrico UK, praised the knowledge displayed by these shops in handling chipping potatoes:
“These finalists demonstrate exceptional competence in selecting and preparing the right chip varieties. We wish them all the best in the final challenge.”
The Final Challenge
As the three finalists gear up for the final stage, they will face a mystery shop challenge where their food will be tasted, and the overall service experience will be evaluated. The coveted Field to Frier title will be passed to the new champion at an award ceremony on February 25 at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in London. The 2025 winner, Redcloak Fish Bar from Stonehaven, Scotland, will pass on the title.
Get Involved!
Don’t miss this highlight of the fish and chip industry! To secure your seats, visit http://thefishandchipawards.com/event-tickets/.
Learn More
For more details and updates about the National Fish & Chip Awards, check out www.thefishandchipawards.com.
