Five new fish and chip shops have been shortlisted for Newcomer of the Year award at the UK’s National Fish & Chip Awards 2025. These businesses from Devon, Uxbridge, Yorkshire, Northern Ireland and Kent all began trading on, or after, 1 January 2023 and have successfully made it through the first stages of a rigorous judging process where trade experts tested the business owners’ industry knowledge, their environmental and sustainable approaches, customer service and employee welfare.
The next rounds include mystery shopper visits to make sure their fish and chips are knock-out delicious, followed by interviews which will determine the final three.
The contenders are: Alan’s Fish and Chips in Cullompton, Devon; Good Cod in Hillingdon, Uxbridge; Mackerel Sky in Stamford Bridge, East Riding of Yorkshire; Skipper Jacks in Clogher, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland; and The Anchor in Bexley, London.
Andrew Crook, President of the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), which organises the awards, said the lineup of finalists is exceptional.
“The fish and chip industry is incredibly fulfilling, rewarding and fun to be part of but these five businesses opened at a time that was well-documented as challenging for even the most established,” Crook said.
“However, our shortlisted hopefuls didn’t shy away from the situation and went for it to achieve their dreams, and that leap of faith is paying off. They may be new on the scene, but these chip shops are doing noteworthy things already, the teams are energised, full of ideas, passion and drive. The selection process isn’t easy, so we commend all who have entered and got to this stage. We are excited to have this opportunity to work alongside such inspiring people.”
ADM/Frymax is sponsoring the Newcomer of the Year award. Its UK Brand & Marketing Manager Andrew Marriott said: “The first fish and chip shops in the country opened in the early 1860s, giving rise to an industry which has seen fish and chips firmly established as the nation’s favourite meal.
“In the 75-year history of Frymax there have been many changes, but the constant has been the resilience of those in the industry to overcome hurdles and maintain the quality standards which have enabled fish and chips to remain top of the tree. Despite all the setbacks of recent years there are still those who show the initiative, commitment and commercial acumen to enter our great industry. New entrants are part of the lifeblood of the fish and chip trade and their entrance into the business is vital for our future prosperity.”
Meanwhile, 12 candidates have been shortlisted for the Young Fish Frier of the Year Award. All aged 25 or under with a minimum of six months’ frying experience – these friers caught the attention of the judging panel for their sound understanding of how to cook fish and chips consistently well.
The shortlist comprises: Abigail Barker – Millers Fish & Chips in Haxby (near York), Yorkshire; Kieran Bulpit – Linfords Traditional Fish & Chips in Market Deeping, Lincolnshire; Courtney Clifford – St Annes Fish Restaurant in St Annes-on-the-Sea, Lancashire; James Ellams - Fish & Chips @ Weston Grove in Chester, Cheshire; Sebastian Harding Crook – Squires in Braunton, Devon; Charlie James – Pier Point Fish & Chips in Torquay, Devon; Charlotte Jones – Finneys Amlwch in Anglesey, Wales; Scott Kendrew – Millers Fish & Chips in Haxby (near York), Yorkshire; Charlie Knox – The Carron in Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, Scotland; Georgia Lye – Seafare Guilford in Surrey; Sebastian Miller – Linfords Traditional Fish & Chips in Market Deeping, Lincolnshire; and Glen Morrison – Garioch Fish Bar in Inverurie, Scotland.
The next stage will see their skills assessed by experts who will grade them on criteria including their fish and batter preparation, oil temperature control and frying technique.
Crook said: “The Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year is such an amazing category as we get to witness the candidates blossoming in confidence and coming into their own. They are the future of the industry and it’s our responsibility to provide opportunities for people to receive individual feedback and encouragement from those that know the business inside out. We’re excited to see how they put their knowledge into practice for the live frying task.”
The National Fish & Chip Awards 2025 will take place on 26 February at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London.
