National Fish & Chip Awards serves The Scrap Box with the UK’s official Takeaway of the Year title. That ‘Fry-day’ feeling was in full effect for the mighty Scrap Box in York, Yorkshire, which received the top honour of Takeaway of the Year at the recent National Fish & Chip Awards 2026, with Seafood from Norway as principal sponsor.
The UK’s leading fish and chip awards ceremony was attended by 650 industry guests, with actor and presenter Stephen Mangan hosting the 38th edition and presenting each category winner with their well-earned prizes.
The National Fish & Chip Awards is the official competition for the sector and the most comprehensive. Created by the industry for the industry, it shines a light on excellency and sets the highest standards for the trade. Entrants are put through their paces with careful analyses of their expertise, sustainable practices, operations, workplace obligations, customer relations and food.
Takeaway of the Year was sponsored by BDSigns, Friars Pride, Henry Colbeck, McWhinney’s Sausages, Seafood from Iceland, Smales and V.A. Whitley, and chippies from throughout the nation did all they could to show they were the ‘reel’ deal, with 40 in the shortlist becoming 20 semi-finalists then to a top 10 of heavy hitters that have taken fish and chip cookery to all-new heights.
Taking second place was the brilliant Fish Works from Largs in Ayrshire, Scotland, and Yorkshire’s Shaws Fish & Chips of Dodworth in Barnsley, Yorkshire, showed fantastic effort, coming in third.
But, after months of interviews, tasks, on-site inspections and anonymous food reviewing, The Scrap Box won the Takeaway of the Year award after impressing the judging panel with its outstanding fish and chips, dedication to quality and customer service excellence.
Implementing feedback from its previous attempt for the title, the business has been on a transformative journey of learning and development, keeping sustainability at its heart.
This includes perfecting its fish and chip recipes as well as expanding the menu to feature varieties of white fish to encourage customers to embrace new flavours and the future of the industry, which also won the team the Marketing Initiative Award.
The Scrap Box has continually invested time and finances to help strengthen its team and has created a fantastic workplace culture where opportunities to learn new skills are provided on a regular basis. Upgrades to equipment has enhanced the quality of its chippy menu, its presentation as well making processes more efficient throughout the business.
What was once a disused toilet block has been reinvented into a cherished part of the surrounding villages and now the UK’s best fish and chip shop. Aman Dhesi co-owns The Scrap Box with his brother Gavin and says receiving the award as the chippy approaches its 10th year is the perfect way to mark the milestone: “There are so many outstanding fish and chip shops across the UK, and countless awards, but this is the one every chippy dreams of, the ‘Oscars’ of our industry!
“With the most rigorous judging and the highest calibre of past winners, it’s a true honour to be recognised at this level. To represent the very best of fish and chips for the year ahead is both humbling and hugely meaningful to our team, and a testament to the craft, care, and consistency we put into every portion of fish and chips.”
The event is organised by the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF)and Andrew Crook, president of the association, says this year’s competition has been phenomenal and hugely inspirational. “The National Fish & Chip Awards 2026 has been such an amazing experience for all involved. The judging committee is full of admiration for all the contenders, whether they have come away with a prize or not, what has been achieved is to be acknowledged and celebrated.
“Fish and chips is the greatest takeaway meal and the industry takes the responsibility of keeping its national treasure status very seriously. Exceptional businesses entered at a high level and have finished the process in an even stronger position, which can only mean greater things for their near and long-term futures.
“Congratulations to The Scrap Box team which fought incredibly hard for the Takeaway of the Year crown. The drive, passion and determination of the team is incredible, from expertise right through to customer service. And it’s official that its fish and chips are hands down the best in the UK. This is going to be a year like no other for them!”
Seafood from Norway’s Bjørn-Erik Stabell, UK Country Director for the Norwegian Seafood Council, speaks of the deserving winner:
“A huge congratulations to the Scrap Box. Now a true icon in the fish and chip industry, it has shown unwavering commitment to the very best quality fish and chips. It’s this shared commitment that gets us excited about the future of the dish!”
The Scrap Box and the other 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.
Sponsor quotes
“Being named Takeaway of the Year is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the passion and precision behind every serving. The UK’s fish and chip industry represents tradition, pride and community, and we are honoured to see Icelandic seafood contribute to such high standards. Congratulations to The Scrap Box on setting the benchmark for excellence.” Björgvin Þór Björgvinsson, Project Manager for Seafood from Iceland
”This award recognises a level of quality, consistency and customer care that truly sets the standard for our industry. Fish and chips remain one of Britain’s most cherished meals, and it’s the dedication of this year’s winner and finalists that keeps the tradition thriving through each generation. Their commitment to excellence — day in, day out — is to be celebrated.
“We’re proud to support an industry built on hard‑working, passionate people, and we look forward to seeing the exciting opportunities this accolade brings over the coming year. A huge well done to The Scrap Box from all of us at McWhinney’s, and here’s to continued success.” Scott McWhinney, managing director at McWhinney’s Sausages
“Fish and chips remain as one of the most iconic British meals. It is cooked up to perfection by fish and chip shops all around the UK for people to enjoy. The National Fish & Chip Awards give shops a platform to showcase their product and passion and can create fantastic opportunities for these businesses. This is why we are proud to be continued sponsors of the National Fish & Chip Awards’ Takeaway of the Year.
“We are delighted to be able to congratulate The Scrap Box on winning this year’s prestigious Takeaway of the Year award. This is a massive achievement, and we hope the team enjoys its success.” Luke Townsend, marketing manager at Friars Pride
“To be named Takeaway of the Year is no small feat, and it’s clear that The Scrap Box has earned it through sheer care, consistency, and pride in everything they do. They’ve shown that delivering top-quality food, quickly and reliably, doesn’t mean compromising on taste or attention to detail. There’s a real art to getting it just right every time, from perfectly cooked fish and chips to friendly, efficient service – and The Scrap Box does it beautifully.
“At Henry Colbeck, we’re thrilled to support operators who set the bar so high and continue to remind us all why the takeaway can be truly exceptional. This award is a thoroughly deserved celebration of their hard work and passion.” Georgina Colbeck, marketing director at Henry Colbeck
“As part of the consortium of sponsors for the 38th National Fish & Chip Awards, we are incredibly proud to announce the winner of the fish and chip Takeaway of the Year category The Scrap Box from an outstanding top 10. The standard this year has been exceptional, and each finalist has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to quality, customer service and community.
“In what continues to be a challenging climate for our industry, this year more than ever we have seen remarkable hard work and resilience from fish and chip businesses across the UK. V.A. Whitley is very proud to continue supporting these fantastic awards and to celebrate the takeaway operators who set the benchmark for excellence. Congratulations to The Scrap Box, a truly deserving winner!” Robert Fernandes, Marketing Manager at V.A. Whitley.
Image: NFFF