The UK fish and chip sector gathered to celebrate excellence this week as the National Fish & Chip Awards named its 2026 winners, with top honours going to The Scrap Box in York, Yorkshire.
The independent takeaway claimed the industry’s headline title, Takeaway of the Year, at the awards’ 38th annual gala, held with Seafood from Norway as principal sponsor. The ceremony was hosted by TV presenter and actor Stephen Mangan and organised by the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF).
Widely regarded as the UK’s most comprehensive competition for the fish and chip trade, the awards are open to more than 10,500 operators nationwide, with categories spanning takeaways, restaurants, mobile operators, suppliers and international outlets. Entry is free, and finalists are subjected to a rigorous assessment process including interviews, skills tests, live challenges and anonymous taste testing.
Judges assess entrants on product knowledge, sustainable business practices, staff development, customer service and technical frying skills, with shortlisted businesses required to demonstrate mastery across every aspect of their operation.
NFFF President Andrew Crook said the 2026 competition was among the toughest yet.
“Benchmarks are always set extremely high, and this year it has been particularly difficult to separate the winners,” Crook said. “Those competing came with serious agendas to elevate industry best practice, invest in their people and innovate where possible. These winners represent both the tradition and the future of our trade.”
Collecting the Takeaway of the Year award, Aman Dhesi, who co-owns The Scrap Box with his brother Gavin, described the accolade as the ultimate recognition within the sector.
“There are so many outstanding fish and chip shops across the UK, and countless awards, but this is the one every chippy dreams of, the ‘Oscars’ of our industry,” Dhesi said. “To represent the very best of fish and chips for the year ahead is hugely meaningful for our team and a testament to the care and consistency we put into every portion.”
Alongside the top prize, the awards recognised excellence across a wide range of categories, including restaurant dining, sustainability, training, marketing, community engagement and international operations, reflecting the breadth and evolving professionalism of the sector.
Bjørn-Erik Stabell, UK Country Director for the Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC), congratulated the winners and highlighted the industry’s shared focus on quality.
“The commitment to quality across the fish and chip industry continues to astound us year on year,” Stabell said. “It’s this shared commitment that makes us optimistic about the future of this iconic dish.”
As part of the prize programme, Seafood from Norway will host award winners on an educational trip to Norway, including time aboard fishing vessel Geir, aimed at showcasing provenance, sustainability and the link between origin and the finished dish served to consumers.
The organisers said the celebrations will continue throughout the year, with the 2026 winners set to act as ambassadors for best practice across the UK fish and chip trade.
