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Mobile chippies gear up for National Fish & Chip Awards finals

Things are revving up for three fish and chip businesses which an expert panel at the National Fish & Chip Awards has recognised as the nation’s best in the Mobile Operator of the Year category.

The 38^th annual competition has welcomed entries from chippy businesses which run pop-up services from mobile units, vans and trucks at festivals, weddings, corporate events and on high streets the length and breadth of the UK.

2025 Best Mobile Winner Country Fried

 With many unique variables to contend with compared to brick-and-mortar eateries, such as remote locations, compact setups with limited equipment, operational hurdles, customer reach, not to mention the weather. The award is a celebration of businesses that are on-point serving fish and chips with unwavering quality, time after time.

The National Fish & Chip Awards is the leading awards platform for industry excellence and is renowned for empowering businesses to drive standards to the highest levels. Participants are graded against benchmarks which include product expertise, business sustainability, environmental approaches, skills and techniques, customer experience and their ability to put the pedal to the metal when it comes to fish and chip moreish-ness.

The three chippies heading down the fast lane to awards victory are:

Tyne & Wear

Frosty's, Newcastle

Wales

Glamorgan

Posh on Wheels, Cardiff

Cumbria

The Chippie Van, Penrith

“It’s essential that the National Fish & Chip Awards acknowledges and praises the agility mobile fish and chip outlets have, as the amount of skill it takes to repeatedly produce excellent fish and chips while contending with numerous variables, is a level of demand which is not to be undervalued.” says president of the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF) Andrew Crook, one of the award organisers.

“Our finalists have such refined, innovative processes in place which have inspired the seasoned judging professionals to no end. When service is flawless and the food tastes like heaven, you know you’re onto a winner! We have three amazing chippies here which are doing wonders for the industry.”

Premier1 Filtration is this year’s category sponsor and its current owner, Steve Calvert, and new owner Martina Cuccunato, say of the trio: “Mobile operators are a real driving force within our industry, taking fish and chips to communities and events right across the country. The dedication it takes to maintain quality and consistency in ever-changing environments is truly impressive.

“At Premier1 Filtration, we’re proud to support these businesses that go the extra mile to deliver great food and service. We’re also in the process of developing a new mobile filtration machine, designed specifically for operators on the move which we’re excited to launch very soon.”

Simon Mathews, owner of Country Fried in Blackburn, Lancashire - which is the current recipient of the Mobile Operator of the Year award - reflects on the team’s success since taking the title: “Winning the Mobile Operator of the Year award has been an incredible milestone for us. It’s a real testament to the dedication, creativity, and passion our team brings to everything we do.

“The recognition has given us a huge boost, not just in visibility, but in confidence. Our customers have noticed the difference too; there’s a real buzz around what we’re doing. Since the winning, we’ve doubled down on consistency, customer service, and finding new ways to deliver great food wherever our customers are.

“What makes me most proud is how the team has grown stronger together. Everyone feels part of something special, and that energy is driving us forward. The award may have been the headline, but for us, it’s just the beginning of what’s next for Country Fried.”

Before the finalists pull up to the awards ceremony on 25 February at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in London, live video inspections will take place to see which one will emerge as the mobile chippy master.

Book your table at the fish and chip industry’s hot-ticket celebration by visiting https://thefishandchipawards.com/event-tickets/.

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

The National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF) is the organiser of the National Fish and Chip Awards and 2026 marks the 38^th edition. It is open to all UK 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 and boosting the local economy. The principal sponsor for the 2026 awards is Seafood from Norway.

About Premier1 Filtration:

P1F was founded by Jeff Stephenson, back in 1997. He ran the business from his garage and two sheds, growing the business from nothing to become a recognised name up to his retirement in 2017. As a friend and neighbour, Jeff approached current owner Steve Calvert and after a quick chat and a handshake, agreed to take on the business.

The business has now expanded, having relocated into a warehouse along with the Merlin manufacturing side which was purchased in 2018 being originally Nottingham based. P1F is now housed under one roof near Scotch Corner in North Yorkshire and has increased its range of machines and customer base, adding filter machine patents in the UK, Europe, Japan and Australia.

None of this would have been achievable without its customer support and P1F thanks you all for your past and continued support. https://www.premier1filtration.com/