NATIONAL FISH & CHIP AWARDS RECOGNISES CHESHIRE PROFESSIONAL AS DRYWITE YOUNG FISH FRIER OF THE YEAR

National Fish & Chip Awards recognises Cheshire professional as Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year. The UK’s official competition for the fish and chip industry, the National Fish & Chip Awards, has announced professional frier James Ellams from Fish & Chips @ Weston Grove as the winner of the prestigious Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year trophy at last week’s ceremony.

The 38^th annual event which was hosted by actor and presenter Stephen Mangan saw the fish and chip industry gathering to celebrate excellence, skill and quality. The Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year award launched in 1995 – before any of the competitors were born – and has been recognising emerging talent and their abilities to finesse the cooking of the nation’s beloved takeaway.

To be eligible to enter the category, applicants are to be aged 25 and under with at least six months’ experience ‘frying’ solo. The judges challenged the candidates with live cookery demonstrations and interviews, scoring them for their knowledge of potato chipping, food safety, all-round industry understanding, approaches to portioning and of course, frying the produce to perfection.

The hopefuls became a shortlist of 14 and the next round of the process took 10 through to the quarter finals, followed by an impressive last lineup of five. Fellow finalists Lincolnshire’s Kieran Bulpit from Donington Fish and Chips in Spalding, Charlie James of Pier Point in Torquay, Devon and Jack Spencer from Queens Drive Fish & Chips in Ossett, Yorkshire, were commended for their efforts.

The calibre of talent was at such a level that the judges also awarded a runner-up prize to Abigail Barker of Millers Fish & Chips in Haxby, Yorkshire. However, the 27^th recipient of the Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year award was presented to James who edged ahead for his superb expertise, precision and passion for the craft. He says of the win: “I am absolutely thrilled and extremely honoured to be named the Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year 2026.

“This award is incredibly prestigious because it focuses on the future of our industry, shining a light on young friers dedicated to a long-term career in the trade. The rigorous, multi-stage judging process was challenging, but the expert feedback I received along the way has been invaluable, really boosting my confidence and my skills.”

Kelvin Lee, managing director of Drywite Ltd, congratulates the new champion:

“After being a strong contender for the last two years, James’s persistence has served him well, beating off very strong competition to a well-deserved win this year. I am very proud that after 31 years, the Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year is still inspiring young people to fully embrace a career in Fish & Chips.”

The National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF) is the organiser of the awards which has been recognising excellence since 1988 and its President Andrew Crook has called this year’s cycle one of the most impressive in recent years. “The next generation of professional friers coming up the ranks are forces to be reckoned with. What an amazing few months it has been seeing incredible talents, putting all they have into bettering themselves and showcasing their skills and love for the fish and chip industry.

“What a fantastic time in James’ career to receive the Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year award. The care and knowledge he has for all-things fish and chips is fantastic, and he’s working at a level that pushes boundaries in the most exciting and admirable way. The curiosity he has about business, sustainability and frying is so refreshing.”

Andrew continues:

“What a privilege to be able to support and encourage his ascent to greatness – congratulations to James! Very well done to Abigail too, she has had an inspiring journey through the process and is another name we’ll be hearing much more of.”

James and the other category winners from the awards have been invited on an exclusive study trip to Norway, hosted on board the long-liner vessel Geir, where they will see first-hand how Norwegian seafood is responsibly sourced at sea. The visit will give operators direct insight into the country’s science-led fisheries model, helping to bring origin, provenance and sustainability to life.

For more information and bits on the National Fish & Chip Awards, please visit: www.nfff.co.uk/awards

Image: NFFF