FISH & CHIP CHAMPIONS TREATED TO UNFORGETTABLE ICELANDIC ADVENTURE

Fish & Chip champions treated to unforgettable Icelandic adventure. Fish Focus, along with winners of the 2024 National Fish and Chip Awards, seafood industry professionals, and UK media representatives, were treated to an unforgettable four-day trip to Iceland, courtesy of Seafood from Iceland.

The winners, recognised in the Restaurant of the Year category, included Charlotte and Kevin Mitchell of Knights Fish Restaurant in Glastonbury, the overall champions, as well as runners-up Pier Point Restaurant and Noah’s in Bristol. They were joined by John Lavery of Fish City, Belfast, winner of the 2023 Restaurant of the Year and Andrew Crook, President of the National Federation of Fish Friers.

Hosted by Björgvin Þór Björgvinsson and Alisa Silveira of Business Iceland, the group embarked on a scenic and educational journey, beginning in Reykjavík and exploring the breath-taking Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Along the way, they delved into the heart of Iceland’s world-renowned fishing industry while experiencing the warmth and hospitality of the Icelandic people.

Highlights of the trip included a tour and presentation with Brim Seafood, a visit aboard one of their freezer trawlers—where cod is caught and processed at sea—and excursions such as sea angling and a puffin-watching sail from Stykkishólmur. The group also joined in on the celebrations of Fishermen’s Day, capped off with the honour of attending the traditional Fishermen’s Ball.
Charlotte Mitchell of Knights Fish Restaurant in Glastonbury, reflected on the last year since winning the coveted title and told Fish Focus, “We had a wonderful experience visiting Iceland with the group and the highlights are too many to mention, but one outstanding part of the trip for us was the visit to Brim and their trawler, The Vigri.”

“We buy Icelandic cod for our customers and the supply comes from Brim, but to our absolute delight when we returned to the UK we found out that the fish we sell comes from the actual fishing boat that we were on.”

“We absolutely encourage all our colleagues throughout the UK and Ireland to enter the National Fish and Chip Awards, not only for the accolade of being a finalist or winner, but also for the boost in business that we have experienced since receiving the award.”

“The team at Knights Fish Restaurant had to work extremely hard to achieve the award, but it definitely paid off for us and the trip to Iceland was definitely an added bonus and a lifetime experience for us.” concluded Charlotte.

Looking Ahead: 2025 Winners Set for East Iceland Experience

Later this year, the 2025 Takeaway of the Year winners will embark on a similar Icelandic adventure. This time, the tour will spotlight the North and East of Iceland.

The group will include representatives from the overall winners, Yarm Road Fish and Chips in Darlington, and runners-up The Fish Works in Largs and Kellaway’s Fish and Chips in Truro.

“This year’s trip will include a visit to the North and East of Iceland,” said Alisa Silveira in an interview with Fish Focus. “We’ll start with a domestic flight to Akureyri, followed by a visit to Samherji’s Whitefish Plant in Dalvík, before heading east to spend Fishermen’s Day in Neskaupstaður, nestled in the stunning Eastfjords.”

As in the previous year, the itinerary promises a mix of cultural immersion and seafood exploration.

“We’ll be part of the Fishermen’s Day celebrations, which include competitions, boat rides, and community festivities,” Alisa continued. “We’ll also stop in nearby villages, visit local seafood companies, and, of course, enjoy plenty of freshly caught Icelandic seafood at local restaurants.”

The trip will conclude with a relaxing soak in the Vök Geothermal Baths, providing a peaceful finale before the group returns to Reykjavík and departs Iceland.