FISH AND CHIP ‘NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR’ TITLE AWARDED TO YORKSHIRE BUSINESS

Fish and chip ‘Newcomer of the Year’ title awarded to Yorkshire business. The National Fish & Chip Awards has crowned Mackerel Sky in Stamford Bridge, Yorkshire as the 2025 recipient of the Newcomer of the Year accolade at the ceremony, which was hosted by TV favourite Matt Baker.

Emerging talent which has been on the fish and chip scene from 1 January 2023 onwards was celebrated for positively impactful contributions made to the industry and their local communities in what is a relatively short space of time.

The role of the awards is to examine standards within the fish and chip sector to ensure the highest levels are kept across quality product sourcing, sustainability, customer service and of course providing mouth-watering food. A panel of sector experts served a boatload of assessments to the starting shortlist of five businesses, with Alan’s Fish and Chips in Devon also making it to the finals.

The intensity of the judging rounds didn’t leave Mackerel Sky feeling like a fish out of water, with the panel appraising the Stamford Bridge business with the highest distinction for its expertise, passion and dedication in preserving the greatness of Britain’s best-loved dish.

Now with official confirmation from the industry that the future of the fish and chips is in the safest of hands, Katrina and Ali Hasanbasoglu, owners of Mackerel Sky, say: “After entering the industry less than two years ago, to win such an accolade is tremendous. Our team work hard to run the shop to the industry best practice guide. Winning proves to them their dedication and determination has paid off. What a fantastic achievement – the icing on the cake!”

Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), which is the organiser of the prize-giving event, says Mackerel Sky is an exceptional new addition to the industry:

“We are always delighted by new businesses entering the fish and chip arena and this year’s competition has been absolutely brilliant, so we thank all who entered. The award serves to be an advocate for fresh perspectives and enthusiasm to help drive the sector forward and our new champion fully embodies this. Mackerel Sky should be very proud of how far it has come over the last two years – what an excellent start!”

Andrew Marriott, UK brand & marketing manager at ADM/Frymax, a leading cooking oil specialist and the category sponsor, says this industry seal of approval marks a pivotal milestone for the winner:

“Frymax is once again proud to be sponsoring the Newcomer of the Year award. It is reassuring to see that despite these difficult times, fish and chips is and will remain the nation’s favourite meal. We applaud all 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 whilst there can only be one winner today, all those who entered are winners in the eyes of Frymax.”

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