The National Fish & Chip Awards are heating up as the competition names the 20 fish and chip shops which are getting closer to being named Takeaway of the Year.

It’s a nerve-racking time for the candidates having shaken off 20 others in the shortlist by wowing the panel of fish and chip experts who have been poring over the takeaways with a fine-tooth comb.

The business owners have shown excellence in the areas of industry and product expertise, environmental and sustainable business methods, employer accountability, and of course providing the tastiest high-quality food, to name a few of the judging criteria.

The category is sponsored by BDSigns, Florigo, Friars Pride, Henry Colbeck, McWhinney’s Sausages, Seafood from Iceland, Smales and V A Whitley. The category is the toughest of them all and there’s another round of in-depth reviews to come which will see the official judges saying ‘tartare’ to 10 more of the competitors.

The top 20 edging closer to the Takeaway of the Year award are:

Cornwall

Kellaway’s Fish and Chips, Truro

County Durham

Yarm Road Fish and Chips, Darlington

Essex

The Hook of Clacton, Clacton-on-Sea

Greater Manchester

Taylors, Stockport

Hampshire

Mike’s Traditional Fish & Chips, Eastleigh

Kent

Newington Fish Bar, Ramsgate

Lancashire

Westend Fish and Chips, Oswaldtwistle

Lincolnshire

Elite on the Bail, Lincoln

London

Brockley’s Rock, Brockley

Norfolk

French’s Fish Shop, Wells-next-the-Sea

Nottinghamshire

Angell’s Fisheries, Newark-on-Trent

Surrey

Seafare Guildford

Yorkshire

The Fish Bank, Sherburn-in-Elmet

Mister C’s, Selby

The Scrap Box, York

Scotland

Aberdeenshire

Garioch Fish Bar, Inverurie

Redcloak Fish Bar, Stonehaven

Ayrshire

The Fish Works, Largs

Wales

Anglesey

Finney’s Fish and Chips, Benllech

Glamorgan

Zero Plus Fish & Chips, Cardiff

Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), which organises the awards, explains the reasons for the gruelling process: “The National Fish & Chip Awards inspects entrants’ businesses to such an intricate level as there is a duty of care to ensure industry standards and practices are upheld to the highest degree.

“The ultimate goal is to produce fish and chips that customers want to eat time and time again but doing so sustainably for the environment and business longevity. Our 20 shortlisted chippies are showing their mettle, and we hope they are feeling proud to have made it this far and we are thrilled to be part of their growth experience.’’

Barry Dickman, director and founder of BDSigns & BDigital, comments: “Congratulations to all the business being shortlisted in the top 20 for Takeaway of the Year—what an incredible achievement for them, their teams and families! All of us at BDSigns are proud to be part of their journey, and we’re here to support them however we can.

“On a personal note, I, Barry Dickman, can’t wait to celebrate with you all on the night. Out of over 7,500 chip shops across the UK, these ones have made it to the top – absolutely amazing!”

Robert Furey, managing director at Florigo, comments: “Although the average cost of a fish and chip takeaway still remains the same price as a one-hour minimum wage, people are paying more than ever before. This means they are more demanding of what they get for their money. They want quality, consistency and great value. All of this can be achieved with the help of a Florigo range, and this competition represents the best of the best.”

Luke Townsend, marketing manager at Friars Pride, comments: “We would like to congratulate all the fish and chip shops that have made it into the top 20 of the National Fish & Chip Awards! This is an incredible achievement, and all the entrants highlight the high standards this industry continues to have. We are delighted to be sponsoring Takeaway of the Year, as we believe these awards create positivity within the industry and gives fish and chip shops an opportunity to showcase the high standards they continue to offer.”

Georgina Colbeck, marketing director at Henry Colbeck, says: “As a sponsor I can only imagine what it must feel like to reach the top 20, with the top 10 in sight – exciting, thrilling and nerve-racking! I know that the judging process is both stringent and thorough, meaning that at each stage the remaining entrants have had to deliver something different, whether that’s customer service excellence, sustainability commitments or marketing creativity – perhaps a mix of all three and more! Seeing the journey every applicant takes is what makes being a sponsor so worthwhile.”

Scott McWhinney, sales and marketing director at McWhinney’s Sausages, says: “McWhinney’s Sausages is proud to return as a sponsor for these important industry awards, recognising the best talent our community has to offer. Quality deserves to be recognised, and the awards shine a spotlight on deserving winners, runners up and nominees.”

Robert Fernandes, marketing manager at V.A. Whitley comments: “V.A. Whitley is thrilled to continue sponsorship of the Takeaway of the Year category at the National Fish & Chip Awards. It is time to celebrate the incredible talent and passion in this great industry. Reaching the top 20 stage is a remarkable achievement, showcasing the dedication of everyone involved. Together, let’s celebrate and honour the traditions that make fish and chips the beloved favourite it is. while also recognising innovation and excellence. Here’s to the shortlist which continues to elevate this iconic dish!”

“V.A. Whitley has been delivering excellent service and quality products to the fish and chip trade in England and Wales for over 125 years. We would like to take this opportunity to wish all entrants the very best of luck going forward.”

Principal sponsor of the National Fish & Chip Awards 2025 is Seafood from Norway, and Victoria Braathen, UK Director of the Norwegian Seafood Council, adds: “The National Fish & Chip Awards has once again outdone itself, showcasing some truly admirable operators whose passion for their work shines bright.

“Our partnership with the UK’s fish and chip sector has always been rooted in a mutual commitment to quality and excellence – values that are integral to both Norway’s seafood industry and the iconic British tradition of fish and chips. Seafood from Norway, representing the Norwegian seafood industry, is thrilled to be a part of this celebration of excellence and couldn’t be prouder of these 20 top finalists. Congratulations to all those participating, we wish you the very best of luck!”

The National Fish & Chip Awards is on 26 February at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, where the Takeaway of the Year winner will be revealed.

You are invited to the National Fish & Chip Awards 2025! Get your tickets here: https://thefishandchipawards.com/event-tickets/.

For more information and bits on the National Fish & Chip Awards, please visit: www.thefishandchipawards.com.