The search for the best fish and chips in the land for 2026 is officially underway. Which British chippy gets it’s batter flawlessly golden? Which one strikes that impeccable balance between crispy and fluffy fries? And which does mushy peas to perfection? The annual National Fish and Chip Awards are on hand provide the answer.
The National Fish and Chip Awards are basically the Oscars of the chippy world. Each year, specialists from across the fish ’n chip sector assess chippies across the country based on stuff like product quality, hygiene, environmental and operational sustainability, customer service and industry knowledge. After that, they give out awards across 14 categories such as best newcomer and outstanding contribution to industry. But the highest honour – the ‘Best Picture’ if you will – is Takeaway of the Year.
Now, the longlist of 40 establishments vying for this year’s top prize has been unveiled. They cover every region of the UK and will eventually be narrowed down to a list of 20, then 10, before the winners are finally revealed in a ceremony in London in February.
Last year’s coveted Takeaway of the Year title went to Yarm Road Fish & Chips in Darlington, County Durham. It can’t win a second year in a row, so is preparing to pass the baton. Will Burrell, the restaurant’s co-owner, said: ‘The awards process gives you a chance to invigorate yourself, your team and your business.
‘We’ll be sad to hand over the trophy but can’t wait to see amazing fish and chip shops showcase our wonderful industry and keep pushing it forward! A huge thanks as ever to the National Federation of Fish Friers for turning dreams into reality and supporting the nation’s favourite takeaway.’
The UK’s top 40 takeaways, according to the National Fish and Chip Awards 2026
Bristol
- Henbury Fryer, Bristol
Cornwall
- Kellaway’s Fish and Chips, Truro
County Durham
- Bells Fish and Chips, Durham
- Grandpa's Fish Bar, Durham
Devon
- Alan's Fish and Chips, Cullompton
- Emerald Fish Bar, Newton Abbott
- Taffs Fish and Chips, Torrington
Essex
- The Fish Inn, Clacton-on-Sea
Greater Manchester
- Taylors, Stockport
Hampshire
- Mister Pink’s, Lymington
- Mike’s Traditional Fish & Chips, Eastleigh
Kent
- Lewis’s Fish and Grill, Maidstone
- Newington Fish Bar, Ramsgate
Lancashire
- Westend Fish and Chips, Oswaldtwistle
Lincolnshire
- Catch 22, Tattershall
- Hunters Fish and Chips, Louth
London
- Brockley’s Rock, Brockley
- Stones Fish and Chips, Acton
Merseyside
- Portland’s Fish & Chips, Liverpool
Oxfordshire
- Harrison’s Fish & Chip Co., Oxford
- Somerset
- Knights Fish Restaurant, Glastonbury
Suffolk
- Orwell Fish & Chips, Felixstowe
- Tulula’s Fish & Chips, Halesworth
Surrey
- Seafare Guildford
Warwickshire
- Harbury Catch, Warwick
West Midlands
- Hawthorn Fish Bar, Birmingham
Yorkshire
- Mister C’s, Selby
- Shaws Fish and Chips of Dodworth, Barnsley
- The Fish Bank, Sherburn-in-Elmet
- The Scrap Box, York
Wales
- Finney’s Fish and Chips, Benllech
- O’ My Cod, Bridgend
- Zero Plus Fish & Chips, Cardiff
- Dolphin Fish and Chips, The Parrog Goodwick
Northern Ireland
- The Merchant Fish & Chips, Ballymena
Scotland
- Garioch Fish Bar, Inverurie
The Michelin Guide restaurant that is launching Britain’s first ever water menu.
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