OFFICIAL SEARCH FOR THE BEST CHIPPIES IS ON AS THE NATIONAL FISH & CHIP AWARDS 2027 LAUNCHES

Official search for the best chippies is on as the National Fish & Chip Awards 2027 launches. Fish and chip business from the UK and beyond wanting to secure one of the highest honours in the sector by being recognised as one the best by the National Fish & Chip Awards, now have the chance to go for gold as the 39^th edition of the official industry competition launches for 2027.

The top accolades, including Takeaway of the Year, Restaurant of the Year, and Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year, are all now officially open to enter. Chippies that take pride in the full journey of the potato, from farm to plate, to create exceptional chips are welcome to apply for Field to Frier. Those operating for less than two years can try out for the Newcomer of the Year trophy and businesses with a creative spin on the classic dish are encouraged to apply for the Menu Innovation award.

The awards have been raising standards since its inception in 1988 and has helped the industry to grow, providing more employment and shaped the sector for the future by encouraging participants to focus on key issues such as sustainability, training and employee welfare.

The Employee of the Year category is now open to both fish and chip businesses and companies that supply goods and services to the industry, recognising the passion and dedication of people throughout the supply chain who help bring top-quality fish and chips to the nation.

There are 16 categories that UK-based fish and chip takeaways, restaurants and mobile units are invited to enter, as well as overseas shops which are eligible for the international award. Taking part is free and the simple application process makes it even easier than ever for businesses to showcase their achievements. For full details, including closing dates, and to apply, please visit https://thefishandchipawards.com/.

The National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF) is the organiser of the prestigious event which is dubbed as the ‘Oscars’ of the fish and chip trade. Seafood from Norway will be the headline sponsor for the February ceremony in London where the new champions will be revealed.

The National Fish & Chip Awards offers an invaluable experience where the learning curve is steep, but the rewards are plenty for entrants. The judging process has been created by some of the most respected and accomplished fish and chip business owners, and this year, experts from the wider hospitality sector will join the panel. Each category has its own set of interviews, live tasks, inspections and anonymous taste tests, with feedback from the specialists offering encouragement and steering for improvements.

Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), says the awards provides a springboard that helps both shortlisted and winning businesses to continue thriving:

“The fish and chip industry is incredibly special because of the many brilliant people who are deeply passionate about the heritage of our national treasured dish. There’s nothing better than shining a spotlight on the sector and all the people who are showing how delicious, relevant and necessary the fish and chip experience still is today.

“The National Fish & Chip Awards is a fantastic celebration of the standout people and businesses throughout the supply chain. The awards’ reputation for nurturing excellence precedes it and time and again we see how the competition offers a platform where businesses gain confidence, momentum and recognition to accelerate future growth ambitions into the short term.

He continues:

“Chippies are synonymous with being an integral part of communities, not only for serving the classic dish, but they are often also a source of employment for young people to gain their first experience in the workplace, with many going on to build highly successful, long-term careers in the sector. This is a very exciting time where up and coming talent and well-established professionals are together bridging tradition and modernity in ways that show the boundless potential the future of the industry has.

“There is a lot to be gained from taking part and we’re excited for the National Fish & Chip Awards to continue being the coveted seal of approval for fish and chip businesses.”

Seafood from Norway’s Bjørn-Erik Stabell, UK Country Director for the Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC), expresses his thoughts on the excellence to come:

“For us, the National Fish & Chip Awards have become much more than a sponsorship. They represent a valued partnership with the NFFF and the wider fish and chip industry, built on a shared ambition to learn, improve and succeed together.

“The awards celebrate the very best of the industry while creating opportunities to share knowledge, strengthen relationships and inspire progress across the seafood value chain.

We are delighted to continue as principal sponsor in 2027 and look forward to celebrating the people and businesses driving the industry forward. The awards are a powerful reminder that we are stronger together.”

The 2027 launch took place yesterday at Trenchers of Whitby, which was named Restaurant of the Year in February. The event was attended by industry names as well as guests from wider Yorkshire-based organisations and associations.

Andrew Wilkinson, general manager at Trenchers, says it has been great to hold the launch at spiritual home of fish and chips in Whitby. He speaks of the impact the awards journey has had on the business:

“Winning the Restaurant of the Year award means so much to us. The increase in guest volume was instant! Not only in the aftermath of the showcase awards ceremony, but throughout the whole judging process.

“It has been a hugely positive experience and the pride the whole team has shown at their achievement is amazing to see. We couldn’t have done it without them. My advice to anyone thinking about entering the awards? Well, what is there to think about?! I can only see positives – the marketing opportunities, customer engagement, staff development and involvement, along with opportunities to learn from peers and grow your business along the way. Good luck everyone for 2027.”

Also in attendance was Aman Dhesi, co-owner of The Scrap Box, which won the takeaway prize earlier this year. He says of the awards experience:

“It’s not an understatement to say that winning Takeaway of the Year has changed our lives. Not only has business increased exponentially over the two years we’ve been involved with the awards and progressed through each round, but it’s also given us a renewed drive and rigour to take the business to even greater heights.

“For anyone thinking of entering, especially in the current hospitality climate, there’s really nothing to lose. It’s an opportunity to make sure your business is operating as efficiently as possible, and with such low barriers to entry, it’s well worth putting your shop forward.”

 Shortlisted chippies will be announced from September, with the winners to be crowned in February next year.

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

Image caption: LtR – Andrew Crook, president of the NFFF, Seafood from Norway’s Bjørn-Erik Stabell, UK Country Director for the Norwegian Seafood Council, Aman Dhesi co-owner of The Scrap Box, Andrew Wilkinson, general manager at Trenchers of Whitby, Gavin Dhesi, co-owner of The Scrap Box, and Caroline Murphy, treasurer of the NFFF.

Image credit: The National Fish & Chip Awards