New Chips on the Block!
A handful of fish and chip shops new to industry are now preparing for ‘batter’ as the National Fish & Chip Awards announces the line-up in the running for the 2027 Newcomer of the Year title.
Five businesses from Kent, Lincolnshire, Suffolk, Yorkshire and Wales have been shortlisted from an exceptional group of top talent which entered the fish and chip sector’s most prestigious awards. All entrants opened their businesses from 1 January 2025 onwards and while they may be brand new to the chippy world, there’s no scaling back when it comes to ambition, top-quality food and achieving all-round excellent standards.
The National Fish & Chip Awards is the official competition for the industry and has been rewarding excellence since 1988. Businesses that are successful in making it through to the various stages will be challenged with a series of tasks, including in-depth interviews, cooking demonstrations, taste tests, mystery shop visits and more.
The multi-round process has been created by highly successful fish and chip entrepreneurs and industry specialists to ensure the benchmarks set are at premier levels. It’s not just about exceptional food but also how business and environmental best practice, product knowledge, employer responsibilities and health and safety, bring the whole operation together.
The brand-new chippies making a splash and hoping to lift the trophy like reigning Newcomer of the Year winner, Monster Fish & Chips Co. in Fort Augustus, Scotland are:
Kent
Burnetts Fish and Chips, Hythe
Lincolnshire
Donington Fish and Chips, Spalding
Suffolk
Southwold Fish & Chips, Southwold
Yorkshire
Yorkies, Skipton
Wales
Cardiff
The National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF) acts as the voice of the fish and chip industry and oversees the awards, which are lauded as the highest industry honours. Andrew Crook is president of the association, and he says the category is an encouraging reminder of how special the dish is to the nation. “Fish and chips has been central to British culture for many generations. It’s a symbol of comfort and nostalgia, and seeing more shops opening across our high streets brings a real sense of excitement and pride. These businesses create valuable employment opportunities and boost local economies, helping communities throughout the nation to thrive.
“The landscape isn’t the easiest right now but it’s fantastic to see new business owners coming with fresh ideas and innovative menus and making their mark. There’s nothing better than serving the greatest takeaway to people and with such intention to perfect the craft, the 2027 shortlisted chippies will be names we’ll be hearing about for many more years to come.”
Newcomer of the Year is sponsored by sustainable frying oil specialist Frymax and its UK Brand & Marketing Manager, Andrew Marriott congratulates the hopefuls on their early achievements: “Frymax is once again proud to sponsor the Newcomer of the Year award. This is in recognition of those who have shown 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.”
Earlier this year, Daniel and Claire Sandham, owners of Monster Fish & Chips Co. took home the title, just two years after opening. Looking back on the 2026 awards and additional success it’s brought, Daniel says: “More than six months on, we’re still learning, evolving and always looking at how we can make Monster better. The whole experience has been amazing, and we’ve met so many great people through it.
“We’re still pretty new to the industry ourselves, but one thing I’ve learnt is to stay curious and ask questions. There’s so much knowledge in this sector and people are always happy to share it, but you have to ask the questions. I’d just say enjoy it, speak to people and make the most of every opportunity. The experience has made us want to push ourselves even harder and keep getting better. Good luck to this year’s top five, enjoy every minute of it!”
In a few weeks’ time the next round will be judged and the five will become the final three. The winner of Newcomer for the Year 2027 will be announced at the awards ceremony on Wednesday 24 February at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in London.
For more information and bits on the National Fish & Chip Awards, please visit: www.nfff.co.uk/awards.
Image caption: Current Newcomer of the Year titleholder Monster Fish & Chips Co. from Fort Augustus in Scotland
The National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF) is the organiser of the National Fish & Chip Awards and 2027 marks the 39th edition. It is open to the UK’s 9,000 fish and chip businesses, with overseas operators welcome to enter the international category. As it’s run by the industry’s association, the expert guidance offered to entrants is of an exceptional level. In-depth scrutiny within the judging process covers every aspect of businesses – food, hygiene, sustainability (produce and operational practices), customer service, and industry knowledge. This ensures the nation receives high-quality food and an overall standout experience, while professionals in the industry have access to opportunities to further their growth.
The awards also recognise fish and chip shops which are investing in their communities, making a difference to the environment around them, boosting the local economy and employment opportunities. Seafood from Norway is the principal sponsor for the 2027 awards.
About Frymax:
There is Frymax and then there are other cooking oils. The difference is that we have been producing the same product with the same delicious results for over seventy years! No changes, no additions and no modifications, simply pure white premium palm made from the highest quality raw materials. It is additive free, contains no hydrogenated oil and less than 1% trans fats. Frymax guarantees consistently good results and long-lasting performance without any deterioration in quality. When you see the word ‘Frymax’ on the box you know that you are buying the very best for your customers. There is no substitute for quality. If it is not Frymax it simply isn’t good enough. www.frymax.co.uk.
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