County Durham Chippy Wins Community Engagement Award at National Fish & Chip Awards

<p><strong>Bells Fish &amp; Chips</strong>, located in County Durham, has made remarkable strides in community support, earning recognition at the <a href="https://www.nfff.co.uk/awards/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Fish &amp; Chip Awards</a>. The establishment emerged victorious as the winner of the 2026 Community Engagement Award during a recent ceremony held in London.</p>

<h2>A New Category for a Noble Cause</h2>
<p>This award category was introduced last year to honor businesses that contribute to enhancing their neighborhoods, making them better places to live, work, and play. Other commendable finalists included <a href="https://www.jojosfishandchips.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jojo’s Fish &amp; Chips</a> in Stafford and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/timeandplaice/?locale=en_GB" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Time and Plaice</a> in Doncaster, Yorkshire, both of which have also done inspiring work to strengthen community ties.</p>

<h2>A Vision Realized</h2>
<p>The award was presented by TV presenter Stephen Mangan, host of the 38<sup>th</sup> annual event. The judging panel commended **Bells Fish &amp; Chips** for its unwavering dedication to forming strong local relationships and celebrating the cultural significance of the UK’s favorite comfort food.</p>

<p>Bells Fish &amp; Chips, particularly its Seaham branch, is cherished in the community, especially for its tribute to the town’s rich mining heritage. Owner Graham Kennedy shared the emotional backstory behind the restaurant's creation:</p>

<blockquote>
    “Back in 2022, I was invited to view a disused bank building at Seaham Harbour, which had closed. As I stood there, I gazed out towards the sea, realizing it was the very spot where my late father worked in a deep undersea coal mine.”
</blockquote>

<h2>Honoring History</h2>
<p>This revelation sparked an idea in Graham—to create not only a premier fish and chip restaurant but also a venue dedicated to honoring the town's historical significance. Both Graham and his wife Alleson hail from coal mining families, and Graham fondly recalls how his father worked alongside him in his first shop.</p>

<p>“Our restaurant reflects the heritage of coal mining, adorned with authentic artifacts and displays that celebrate the industry,” Graham explained. “As part of our installation, we commissioned a Corten steel sculpture named ‘George’ from local artists Ray and Sam Lonsdale, commemorating the lives of those who worked in the mines.”</p>

<h2>Community Engagement Beyond Fish and Chips</h2>
<p>Graham emphasized that their mission extends beyond serving delectable fish and chips; it’s about preserving local mining history for future generations. As part of this initiative, they’ve also developed educational resources for primary school children, inviting them for free visits and fostering learning opportunities through interactions with former miners.</p>

<blockquote>
    “We are privileged to pay tribute to our fathers, who showed great resilience through their work in the mines,” Graham concluded.
</blockquote>

<h2>Recognition from the Industry</h2>
<p>The National Fish &amp; Chip Awards, organized by the <a href="http://www.nfff.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Federation of Fish Friers</a> (NFFF), celebrates the indispensable role of local fish and chip shops. NFFF president Andrew Crook congratulated Bells Fish &amp; Chips, stating:</p>

<blockquote>
    “Bells Fish &amp; Chips is a brilliant example of how important small businesses are in creating real, positive impacts in our communities.”
</blockquote>

<h2>A Bright Future</h2>
<p>The award sponsors, Faroese fish producer <a href="http://www.jfk.fo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">JFK</a>, also expressed their pride in supporting the community initiatives highlighted by Bells. Their sales and operations director, Jógvan Hansen, remarked:</p>

<blockquote>
    “Community spirit is built on everyday connections. Places like Bells Fish &amp; Chips play an important role in keeping that spirit alive.”
</blockquote>

<p>Winners from the awards, including Bells Fish &amp; Chips, have been invited on an exclusive study trip to Norway to observe responsible fishing practices. This experience aims to deepen their understanding of sustainable seafood sourcing.</p>

<h2>Learn More</h2>
<p>For further details about the National Fish &amp; Chip Awards, visit: <a href="https://www.nfff.co.uk/awards" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.nfff.co.uk/awards</a>.</p>

<p><strong>Image: <a href="http://www.nfff.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NFFF</a></strong></p>