DARLINGTON CHIPPY TAKES AWAY THE BIG ONE AT NATIONAL FISH & CHIP AWARDS

Darlington chippy takes away the big one at National Fish & Chip Awards. Yarm Road Fish and Chips in Darlington, County Durham has emerged as the triumphant recipient of the widely admired Takeaway of the Year title at the recent National Fish & Chip Awards hosted by television presenter Matt Baker.

The awards’ considerable programme of applications, assessments, audits, tasks and interviews, grades contenders on elements such as their sustainability credentials, product quality, customer service and the tastiness of their fish and chips. The reason being to set higher thresholds of excellence throughout the industry and to ultimately reward the best businesses.

Forty of the UK’s top takeaways became 20, with the list halved again for the finals. Held in the highest regard and coming in third and second ‘plaice’ respectively were Kellaway’s Fish and Chips in Truro, Cornwall and the Fish Works in Largs, Scotland but it was Yarm Road Fish and Chips, which was crowned the winner at the golden conclusion of the awards.

Will Burrell, director-manager of Yarm Road says:

“Well we can’t quite believe it! We really didn’t think this year would be our year. Not because of how the process and judging has gone, but purely because of just how unbelievable the rest of the top 10 finalists are. To be mentioned alongside these guys is one thing, but to top the list is something we could only dream of! Now somehow, it’s reality.

“Our biggest congratulations and thanks go out to our absolutely amazing team. They have worked tirelessly throughout the years and have been so invested in this competition. It goes without saying, but without them we would be nowhere near this position we find ourselves in today. To take this trophy home to them makes all the hard work worthwhile.”

He continues:

“Since our opening eight years ago, we have adapted to new situations, overcame hurdles and tried to perfect our craft of the nation’s favourite takeaway. It seems we have got it somewhere near right!

“Huge thanks to all our wonderful customers for supporting our little chippy. And thanks again to the best team in the world! To the wider public, keep supporting your local chippy. They are the cornerstone of many communities and there may be some tough times ahead, as we all know. Go and get your chippy teas! Thank you!”

Andrew Crook is the president of the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), which puts the event together, and he applauds those who have taken part in this year’s competition:

“Takeaway of the Year continues to be hotly contested and the quality of chippies that enter makes it a very challenging award to win. The panel of specialists conducting the critiques have seen the finalists’ businesses from all angles and they are accomplishing the greatest achievements.

“Yarm Road Fish and Chips has been named as the worthy winner, and not only does it serve amazing food but it’s innovating behind the scenes in new and exciting ways that deserve this recognition. The next 12 months will be an unforgettable ride for the team, and we shall be cheering from the sidelines. Congratulations!”

Takeaway of the Year was sponsored by BDSigns, Florigo, Friars Pride, Henry Colbeck, McWhinney’s Sausages, Seafood from Iceland, Smales and V A Whitley.

Barry Dickman, director and founder of BDSigns & BDigital, comments:

“Congratulations to Yarm Road – National Fish & Chip Awards 2025 winner! BDSigns & BDigital extend our heartfelt congratulations to Yarm Road for being crowned the winner of Takeaway of the Year! Your dedication, passion, and commitment to excellence have earned you this prestigious recognition, and we couldn’t be happier for you.

 “As proud sponsors of the National Fish & Chip Awards for many years, BDSigns & BDigital are honoured to support an industry that continues to deliver outstanding quality and service. We look forward to seeing the incredible opportunities this award brings for Yarm Road and wish you a fantastic year ahead!”

Robert Furey, managing director at Florigo, says:

“I think this is a fantastic accolade, Yarm Road well and truly deserved to win. This is a shining example to us all of what can be achieved when you operate a shop effectively and to an exacting standard. The dedication to consistently producing the best product possible, every time is commendable.

“This next year is going to be an exciting time for them, with the added publicity and trade they will gain from receiving this award. Congratulations.”

Luke Townsend, marketing manager at Friars Pride, congratulates the new champion:

“Fish and chips is one of Britain’s favourite meals, and the finalists are all great examples of shops which go above and beyond within the industry – they offer quality food and want to drive the sector forward. We are delighted to be able to congratulate Yarm Road on winning the prestigious Takeaway of the Year award. This is a massive achievement, and the winner has shown great passion for the industry. We hope they enjoy their success.”

Georgina Colbeck, marketing director at Henry Colbeck, is delighted by the news:

“Entering the Takeaway award delivers both positive life-changing and business-changing opportunities and especially so for the finalists and ultimate winner. The process of applying and judging throws a light into every corner and really does give entrants the opportunity to shine on a national stage!

“Our industry thrives on the hard working and dedicated people that deliver the nation’s favourite meal and, as a family business serving family businesses, it really is an honour for Henry Colbeck to be able to sponsor this award, especially in the 10^th anniversary year of National Fish & Chip Day.”

Scott McWhinney, sales and marketing director at McWhinney’s Sausages, says:

“The team at McWhinney’s Sausages would like to congratulate everyone who made it to the final of this important award. It is important that all their efforts to strive for exceptional quality and customer service should be noticed. We look forward to seeing our winner work closely in the industry to carry on the great work of those that have come before them.”

Björgvin Þór Björgvinsson, Project Manager for Seafood from Iceland adds:

“We sincerely congratulate Yarm Road on being named the 2025 Takeaway of the Year! Your hard work and dedication to excellence have earned you this well-deserved recognition. We’re proud to support an industry built on quality, tradition, sustainability, and expert craftsmanship that showcases most of Iceland’s premium fish.

“As proud sponsors for the third consecutive year, Seafood from Iceland celebrates the strong partnership between Iceland and the UK’s fish and chip industry. In recognition of this shared legacy, we are excited to invite the top three finalists of the Takeaway of the Year award and select UK media representatives on an exclusive trip to explore Iceland’s rich fishing heritage.”

He continues:

“Guests will tour a high-tech processing facility, visit a working fishing vessel, and gain first-hand insight into Iceland’s sustainable practices — along with plenty of tasting opportunities. We look forward to sharing Seafood from Iceland excellence with the very best of the UK’s fish and chip industry.”

Robert Fernandes, Marketing Manager at V.A. Whitley, comments:

“We are thrilled to continue to celebrate the incredible talent, dedication and hard work within the fish and chip and takeaway industry. We extend our huge congratulations to the winner! The Takeaway of the Year award recognises not only the outstanding food, but also the passion and commitment this wonderful British favourite!

“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. Congratulations to all of this years’ awards entrants.”

Principal sponsor of the National Fish & Chip Awards 2025 is Seafood from Norway, and Victoria Braathen, UK Director of the Norwegian Seafood Council, adds: “Fish and chips hold a special place in British culture, but it’s the passion, skill, and dedication of operators like Yarm Road Fish and Chips that keep this industry thriving. On behalf of Seafood from Norway, we extend our heartfelt congratulations.

“At Norway’s heart is a commitment to high-quality seafood, and it’s inspiring to see those same high standards reflected in Yarm Road’s work. We look forward to welcoming Yarm Road and all the winners to Norway, where they’ll gain a first-hand understanding of the journey their seafood takes from ocean to plate, and the dedication that goes into ensuring premium quality at every stage.”

For over a decade, the Norwegian seafood industry has proudly supported the fish and chip industry through the National Fish & Chip Awards. This year, Seafood from Norway will again welcome award winners to an exclusive study trip to Norway for an immersive three-day experience, highlighted by a day program aboard Langøy, one of Norway’s advanced frozen-at-sea vessels. This trip underscores the shared commitment to sustainability and excellence between Norway’s fishing industry and the UK’s fish and chip community.

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