With the judging process behind the UK’s 2026 National Fish & Chip Awards well underway, sector specialists have shortlisted 40 chip shops that are competing in the event’s Takeaway of the Year category.
The businesses going through to the next round of extensive assessments will be evaluated on a range of criteria, including product quality, hygiene, environmental and operational sustainability, customer service and industry knowledge.
Those in the running will face comprehensive appraisals of their operations to ensure industry standards remain at their highest behind the scenes right through to customer experience
Andrew Crook, President of the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), which runs the awards, said things are already shaping up to be a standout year for the event.
“We’ve received a wonderful collection of entries for Takeaway of the Year – it is the badge of honour that many in the industry strive for, and we are very excited to see new names on the list. This year we invited the public to encourage their favourite chippies to enter, and the campaign has proved successful as the judging panel can see hidden gems emerging at this early stage.
“We’re also delighted to see others giving it another go which shows a commitment to excellence by taking on board previous feedback and coming back in a stronger position. It’s going to be an unforgettable experience for the new top 40 takeaways, and we wish them all every success for what we believe is going to be an amazing display of skill, tradition and innovation,” he said.
Will Burrell, Co-owner and Manager at Yarm Road Fish & Chips in Darlington, County Durham, which won the 2025 award, said: “Winning takeaway of the year 2025 has been the proudest moment of our business life! We went from a busy shop to a crazy-busy one overnight - and it’s showing no signs of slowing down. After eight years of trying to perfect our team and our shop, to hear our name read out down in London was extremely overwhelming.
“The awards process gives you a chance to invigorate yourself, your team and your business. We’ll be sad to hand over the trophy but can’t wait to see amazing fish and chip shops showcase our wonderful industry and keep pushing it forward.”
The next stage will see the 40 being halved for the semi-finals, with the top 10 finalists being named later in the year. The awards ceremony will take place in February in London to announce the new champion.
Seafood from Norway is the principal sponsor of the National Fish & Chip Awards, while the Takeaway of the Year category is sponsored by Friars Pride, Henry Colbeck, McWhinney’s Sausages, Seafood from Iceland, Smales and V.A. Whitley.
