Excellence Recognized: National Fish & Chip Awards 2026 Announce Their Winners
The National Fish & Chip Awards 2026, sponsored by Seafood from Norway, has officially named its winners, celebrating the pinnacle of excellence within the UK’s fish and chip industry. The prestigious honor of Takeaway of the Year was awarded to the remarkable Scrap Box based in York, Yorkshire.
The Event
Hosted by renowned TV presenter and actor Stephen Mangan, the 38th edition of these awards was organized by the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF). This official competition is recognized across all sectors of the fish and chip trade and is the most comprehensive of its kind in the UK. Open to over 10,500 chippy operators nationwide, it includes categories for international outlets as well.
A Platform for Excellence
This awards ceremony serves not just to honor achievements but also to establish industry standards. Participants endure a series of rigorous assessments, including interviews, skills tests, live tasks, and anonymous taste tests that delve deep into the quality of their operations.
Strong Contenders
Those shortlisted must exhibit exceptional product knowledge, sustainable practices, integrity as employers, outstanding customer service, and a masterful approach to cooking classic fish and chips.
2026 Awards Highlights
The National Fish & Chip Awards 2026 celebrated several prominent winners across various categories:
Takeaway of the Year
- The Scrap Box – York, Yorkshire
- The Fish Works – Largs, Scotland
- Shaws Fish & Chips of Dodworth – Barnsley, Yorkshire
Restaurant of the Year
- Trenchers of Whitby – Whitby, Yorkshire
- Noah’s – Bristol
- Whitby’s Restaurant & Take Away – Rotherham, Yorkshire
Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year
Winner: James Ellams of Fish & Chips @ Weston Grove – Chester, Cheshire
Newcomer of the Year
Monster Fish & Chips Co. – Fort Augustus in Inverness-shire, Scotland
Community and Sustainability Awards
- Employee of the Year: Donna Whitfield from Bells Fish & Chips – Durham, County Durham
- Mobile Operator of the Year: Frosty’s – Newcastle, Tyne & Wear
- Environment and Sustainable Business: The Real Food Café – Tyndrum in Perthshire, Scotland
- Training and Development: Yarm Road Fish & Chips – Darlington, County Durham
- Community Engagement: Bells Fish & Chips – Seaham, County Durham
International Recognition
International Fish and Chip Operator: Fish & Chips Lake Mývatn – Iceland
Supplier and Contributions
Supplier of the Year: Collins Seafoods
Outstanding Contribution: David Miller from Millers Fish & Chips in Haxby, Yorkshire
Quotes from the Winners
On winning the prestigious Takeaway of the Year accolade, Aman Dhesi, co-owner of The Scrap Box, expressed, “This is the award every chippy dreams of— the ‘Oscars’ of our industry! It’s a true honor to be recognized at this level.”
Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers, noted, “The 2026 edition has been one of the most complex for the judges. It’s inspiring to see how businesses this year have aimed to elevate industry standards and innovate.”
A Celebration Ahead
Winners of this year’s awards will also enjoy an exclusive trip to Norway, hosted by Seafood from Norway, further enhancing their understanding of sustainability and provenance in their craft.
For additional information about the National Fish & Chip Awards, visit www.nfff.co.uk/awards.
Source
Main Image © NFFF. Left to Right: Gavin and Aman Dhesi of The Scrap Box – Takeaway of the Year winner
