Celebrating the Best Chippies: A Look at the National Awards’ Field to Frier Category

Discover the top fish and chip businesses honored in the Field to Frier category. The National Fish & Chip Awards has unveiled a fresh roster of five exemplary establishments that showcase exceptional chip cookery.

The Art of Chip Perfection

The transformation of the humble potato into exceptional chips is a true culinary craft. Whether accompanying cod, haddock, scampi, or any variety of fish dishes, creating the perfect chip demands an understanding of potato selection along with expert preparation and frying techniques.

A Look at the Awards

The National Fish & Chip Awards are regarded as the pinnacle of recognition within the fish and chip industry. Under rigorous evaluations led by seasoned professionals, the Field to Frier category scrutinizes each shortlisted chippy’s comprehension of factors like soil type, potato seasonality, optimal cooking oils, frying temperatures, and timing for achieving both texture and flavor excellence. Moreover, candidates are assessed on their business operations, sustainability practices, customer service, and more to ensure top industry standards are maintained.

Meet the 2026 Contenders

As the current champion, Redcloak Fish Bar based in Stonehaven, Scotland, prepares to pass the baton, here are the contenders vying for the Field to Frier title in 2026:

Lincolnshire

Linfords Traditional Fish and Chips, Market Deeping

Tyne and Wear

Trenchers Spanish City, Whitley Bay

Scotland

Aberdeenshire

Garioch Fish Bar, Inverurie

Lows Traditional Fish & Chips (Berryden), Aberdeen

Ayrshire

The Fish Works, Largs

A Word from the Experts

Andrew Crook, the president of the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), which oversees the awards, commented on the top five:

“We are incredibly proud to present these fantastic fish and chip shops that are at the top of their game. Frying is a real art, and knowing everything about the product is key to consistently serving delicious chips all year round. The judging process is rigorous and will surely be challenging, as each entry is operating at outstanding levels. Good luck to all competitors!”

Support from the Potato Industry

Leading potato supplier Isle of Ely Produce, known for its four-decade heritage and delivery of over two million bags of potatoes to the industry, sponsors the Field to Frier category. They are joined by Agrico, producers of the Babylon potato, a newly emerging variety that has seen great success in fish and chip shops across the UK.

Reflections from Previous Winners

Jamie Russo, owner of Redcloak Fish Bar, reflected on his experience after winning the Field to Frier award in 2025:

“Winning the Field to Frier award was a monumental achievement for my team and me, as we take pride in sourcing top-quality potatoes. Our recent success has sparked significant interest from customers regarding our potato sourcing and cooking process. Congratulations to everyone nominated this year, and best of luck in the next round!”

Next Steps in the Competition

The five shortlisted chippies will undergo interviews for the next stage, with three finalists to be announced next month. The ultimate winner will be revealed during the awards ceremony scheduled for February 25 at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London.

Learn More

For further information about the National Fish & Chip Awards and to keep updated, visit www.thefishandchipawards.com.