Entries are now open to UK and international fish and chip businesses for the industry’s flagship competition, the 2026 National Fish & Chip Awards, with the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF) again organising the 38th annual celebration, and Seafood from Norway returning as principal sponsor.
Run by the industry for the industry, the National Fish & Chip Awards is open to all 10,000-plus fish and chip businesses in the UK, as well as overseas. It’s free to enter and an improved application process has been introduced for this year’s hopefuls.
Chippies that believe their takeaway, restaurant or mobile unit could be number one are encouraged to enter. Those aged 25 and under looking to put their skills to the test and develop their craft in a supportive environment – the Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year prize awaits. There are 10 further categories including an all-new Menu Innovation award.
The judging process is led by prominent sector experts, and each category has its own set of rounds, with shortlisted hopefuls required to complete a combination of interviews, tasks, skills tests, inspections and a make-or-break taste-testing portion of the assessment which happens during a mystery visit.
NFFF President Andrew Crook explained: “The National Fish & Chip Awards’ selection committee does its due diligence, and no stone is left unturned when it comes to appraising the business, its operations and food offer. This provides such an invaluable critique for business owners which commends peak performance as well as addressing areas to improve further.
“There’s a shared connection and unique rapport in the industry and whenever we can celebrate and reinvigorate businesses, we will do so. At the request of the fish and chip community, we’ve revised the entry requirements so we’re looking forward to receiving many more first-time entrants along with those who are trying again to rise to the top.
“Our towns and cities need to stay filled with great places to eat the beloved dish of the UK and ultimately the awards are designed to inspire strategies that help businesses strengthen in all areas and achieve longevity.”
The public, for the first-time ever, will also be able to get involved in the search for the greatest providers of the British classic. By heading to https://thefishandchipawards.com/ by 7 July, people can give the name of a favourite outlet they’d like to see entering the 2026 competition. All recommended businesses will be notified that a customer has encouraged them to give the awards a shot.
Crook said: “Bringing the public into the mix adds a refreshing dynamic and without customers there’s no success, so this is the nation’s chance to help steer their local chippy towards national-level endorsement – let’s get this thing going!”
Seafood from Norway’s Victoria Braathen, UK Director of the Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC) said: “As we proudly return as principal sponsor of the 2026 National Fish & Chip Awards, Seafood from Norway continues to honour the deep-rooted connection between our sustainably sourced seafood and the UK’s most iconic dish.
“This partnership is more than a sponsorship – it’s a celebration of the people and businesses who bring fish and chips to life with passion, care, and commitment to quality. On behalf of the Norwegian seafood industry, we’re proud to support the next generation of talent and the hardworking operators who uphold this cherished tradition across the UK.”
The 2026 awards launch took place at Takeaway of the Year 2025 winner Yarm Road’s brand-new restaurant in Darlington, County Durham. The business’s Director-manager Will Burrell said: “It’s hard to put in the words the impact that winning Takeaway of the Year has had on our business. The week following our win, when the word had gone out, our trade went through the roof.
“Having been operating for eight years, we thought we had achieved peak trade, but we couldn’t have been more wrong. Our trade increased by 30% and has continued on this trajectory. We have customers travelling from all over the country to try our fish and chips – we’ve even had some overseas travellers! Our amazing team has thrived under the circumstances and has risen to the challenge as we knew they would. It doesn’t matter how busy we get; they just take it in their stride and get the job done with big smiles on their faces. The win was such a morale boost for the guys - their hard work had paid off.”
Burrell continued: “For anyone wishing to enter the awards, just do it, seriously! We’re just a humble little chippy with a passion for what we do. Winning seemed impossible, but if we can do it, with the right mindset and drive, anyone can! Enter the awards, and if you don’t win, use your feedback to come back stronger. It’s such an amazing and rewarding process and our business really flourished throughout.”
Shortlisted businesses will be announced from September and the ceremony to reveal the winners will take place in February 2026 in London.
