The Ten-sion Mounts!
Top 10 UK fish and chip restaurants announced by official national awards
Competition is heating up as the 39th edition of the National Fish & Chip Awards 2027 officially announces the top 10 Restaurant of the Year shortlist, one of the industry’s most sought-after accolades.
Celebrating eateries that consistently deliver exceptional food, outstanding hospitality and an unforgettable dine-in experience, this shortlist showcases the very best of Britain's fish and chip restaurants. Thanks to a meticulous assessment process by a team of judges consisting of leading industry specialists, each business which has made it onto the top 10 list has shown why they deserve to make it through.
The Restaurant of the Year title is widely regarded as the official benchmark of excellence as it recognises every aspect of what defines an exceptional fish and chip restaurant. With extensive judging criteria that scrutinises food quality, consistency, customer experience, business operations, sustainability, staff development and overall standards, this process places the winning business at the forefront of fish and chip dining and as a true ambassador for the profession.
The 10 restaurants which have earned their place on the list are:
Derbyshire
Chesters at Vale, Chesterfield
Dorset
Lakeside Fish & Chips, Poole
Kent
Harbour Fish Bar, Folkestone
London
Golden Union, Soho
Norfolk
Nottinghamshire
The Cod’s Scallops, Nottingham
Suffolk
Ocean Fish Platter, Ipswich
Saltwater Fish & Chips, Felixstowe
Yorkshire
Whitby’s Restaurant & Takeaway, Rotherham
Scotland
Edinburgh & The Lothians
The Crab & Lobster Fish Shack, South Queensferry
Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), which organises the event, says the awards bring the industry together to celebrate its finest. “Choosing our top 10 Restaurant of the Year shortlist is one of the most rewarding parts of the competition, and this year's participants are showcasing remarkable skill, commitment and innovation. Their achievements highlight the excellent standards being set by businesses that continue to raise the bar.
“Their success is not only a testament to their hard work but also highlights the incredible opportunities available for people looking to build rewarding careers. The National Fish & Chip Awards is proud to celebrate the businesses, teams and individuals who make our industry so dynamic, while shining a light on the varied roles that underpin their success.
“From developing culinary skills and customer service expertise to building careers in business management and leadership, these restaurants offer an exciting future for the next generation of talent.”
Sponsoring the category is the Q Partnership, formed by the three independent, family-owned businesses – Friars Pride, Henry Colbeck and V.A. Whitley. The partnership continues to make a significant contribution to the UK fish and chip industry, providing trusted products, specialist knowledge and exceptional support to businesses across the sector.
Luke Townsend, marketing manager at Friars Pride, says: “Congratulations to all the restaurants that have secured a place in this year's top 10 shortlist. Reaching this stage of the competition is a significant achievement and reflects the dedication, professionalism and high standards that continue to drive our industry forward.
“As part of the Q Partnership, we are proud to sponsor the Restaurant of the Year category and celebrate businesses that consistently deliver outstanding food, exceptional customer experiences and a commitment to excellence. We wish all the finalists the very best of luck as they progress through the competition.”
Darren Anderson, marketing manager at Henry Colbeck, comments: “Reaching the top ten in this competition is a significant achievement. The journey to Restaurant of the Year puts the whole business under scrutiny. Behind an exceptional plate of fish and chips is a team investing in its skills, refining its processes and paying attention to details customers may never see.
“At Henry Colbeck, we’re proud to support this category as part of the Q Partnership, because it recognises the depth of professionalism in our industry. Congratulations to all ten restaurants and the teams behind them.”
Robert Fernandes, marketing manager at V.A. Whitley, adds: “V.A.Whitley, together with our Q Partnership colleagues Henry Colbeck and Friars Pride, are incredibly proud to be sponsoring the Restaurant of the Year category at the National Fish & Chip Awards for the third consecutive year.
“Following on from some truly fantastic previous winners, the standard of this year’s competition has once again been exceptional. Reaching the top 10 is a fantastic achievement in itself, and we are expecting this year’s shortlist to showcase the very best of what the UK fish and chip restaurant sector has to offer.
“The dedication, passion and commitment shown by these businesses is a real credit to our great industry, and we look forward to seeing the top 10 take their place in the next stage of the judging. We wish them all the very best of luck – we’re sure it will be an incredibly strong and exciting competition.”
General Manager Andrew Wilkinson from Trenchers of Whitby, which won the 2026 Restaurant of the Year title, says: “Well what a year! By far the best and busiest we’ve had and it’s still going strong. I am so proud of the team here. Since winning Restaurant of the Year, we have created many more full-time positions here at Whitby and also opened the fourth Trenchers Restaurant at Bowness on Windermere. I would like to congratulate this year’s top ten on your fantastic achievement. Be proud to reach this stage and make sure you tell the world! All the best of luck.”
The chosen 10 will now progress to the next round, with the final five to be announced later this year. The overall winner will be crowned on 24 February at the awards ceremony at the Park Plaza, Westminster Bridge in London.
For more information and bits on the National Fish & Chip Awards, please visit: www.thefishandchipawards.com.
Image caption: General Manager Andrew Wilkinson, pictured right, with the team at Trenchers of Whitby, the National Fish & Chip Awards’ Restaurant of the Year winner 2026
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 10,500+ 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 Friars Pride:
Friars Pride is an independent, family-owned business that has proudly supported the fish and chip industry since 1898. We supply a comprehensive range of quality fish, frying oils and fats, frozen foods, packaging and catering essentials to fish and chip shops and takeaway businesses across the UK.
As an industry specialist, we are passionate about helping our customers succeed. Alongside an extensive product range featuring leading brands and trusted own-label solutions, we provide expert advice, business support and outstanding customer service through our network of depots and experienced sales teams.
We remain committed to supporting the long-term future of the fish and chip trade, championing innovation, sustainability and the next generation of industry talent.
For more information, visit Friars Pride.
About Henry Colbeck:
Founded in 1893, Henry Colbeck is the UK’s oldest independent supplier dedicated to the fish and chip industry. Still family-owned and family-managed, the business combines more than 130 years of experience with a focus on helping shops succeed today and grow for the future. Its range spans frozen-at-sea fish, frying oils, batter flours, frozen foods, packaging and cleaning essentials, supported by reliable service and practical advice. From traditional favourites to new menu ideas, Henry Colbeck offers operators quality, choice and excellent customer service. Find out more: www.colbeck.co.uk.
About V.A. Whitley:
V.A. Whitley is the premier supplier to the fish and chip and fast-food trade in the North West of England, North Midlands and North and Mid-Wales.
Founded in 1899 and currently celebrating our 125th anniversary - we remain an independent family company enjoying fourth generation involvement within our management structure. Throughout our history, we have sought to emulate the high standards set by our founder, providing customers with quality products at competitive prices whilst maintaining excellent levels of service.
Today we offer you a range of products designed to provide your business with ‘one-stop’ supply. Our full range of dried goods, packaging and catering equipment has been complemented by a broad range of top quality-frozen fish, pies and foods.
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