YORKSHIRE FISH AND CHIP RESTAURANT TIPPED FOR GREATER THINGS AFTER NATIONAL AWARD WIN

Yorkshire fish and chip restaurant tipped for greater things after national award win. There are absolutely no reservations on how good Trenchers of Whitby is, as the UK’s official fish and chip competition, the National Fish & Chip Awards, has named it Restaurant of the Year at the recent industry ceremony.

The National Fish & Chip Awards – now in its 38^th year – is known for setting the highest standards to help preserve and maintain the much-loved British tradition. Businesses that go beyond just serving fantastic food and are showing that their operations, values and vision are also exceptional, are recognised and rewarded.

The award is sponsored by independent, family-owned businesses Friars Pride, Henry Colbeck and V.A. Whitley. Known as The Q Partnership, they have collectively spent 280 years supplying the UK fish and chip industry with trusted goods and services.

The Restaurant of the Year contenders underwent a lengthy programme of assessments, interviews, inspections and mystery taste tests, covering everything from sustainability, leadership, employee training, health and safety, and of course, the full dining journey.

The fish frying experts who judge the awards commended Whitby’s Restaurant & Take Away in Rotherham, Yorkshire, honouring it with a third-place position and Noah’s in Bristol came in second. However, it was Trenchers of Whitby which truly set the table, delivering all-round outstanding excellence to secure the highest industry accolade.

The restaurant, which opened in 1980, triumphed in the awards with the judges recognising the strength of its dedicated team – many of which have been with the business for decades. Its passion for hospitality has been instrumental in bringing continuous refinement and elevation to the iconic dining experience.

Trenchers was also praised for its commitment to supporting the community, showcasing locally sourced fish and other produce, resulting in the freshest catch and best ingredients being served to its loyal customer base.

Trenchers of Whitby, says the main reasons for its generational success is down to the quality of its product, history, loyal customers and fantastic staff. Its General Manager Andrew Wilkinson, who has worked at Trenchers for 20 years, reflects on being named the best fish and chip restaurant in the UK.

He says: “We are absolutely delighted! Winning this award for the second time at Trenchers of Whitby, and for the third time as a brand, is a true testament to the quality of our food and to the outstanding hard work, passion, and dedication of our entire team. This achievement is very much a team effort, built on the commitment of everyone across the business – many of whom have been with us for decades.”

The National Fish & Chip Awards was hosted by broadcaster and actor Stephen Mangan, who presented Trenchers with an all-new Restaurant of the Year plate. The prestigious event is organised by fish and chip association, the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF) and its president Andrew Crook, shares why Trenchers is a Whitby institution: “Restaurant of the Year is a coveted industry award and the category is a celebration of not only outstanding food but also leadership, team culture and consistent high performance.

“Great people are the key to a successful business, and Trenchers’ exceptional staff retention speaks volumes. This level of loyalty is only possible when individuals feel valued, supported and are proud of what they do.”

Andrew adds:

“The restaurant is well-known for its impeccable fish and chips cooked the traditional way in beef dripping, but it also has a hard-earned reputation for superb service. The moment you walk in there’s a warm and welcoming atmosphere that keeps generations of families returning. It’s a fantastic example of how to create a true fish and chip restaurant destination. Congratulations Team Trenchers!”

Luke Townsend, marketing manager at Friars Pride, says of the new champion:

“A huge round of applause to the team at Trenchers of Whitby for taking home the Restaurant of the Year title at the 2026 National Fish & Chip Awards. This victory is a testament to what the shop and team have achieved with their passion for fish and chips.

“Every finalist this year demonstrated incredible skill, but Trenchers truly set the bar high by offering exceptional service, fantastic knowledge and great tasting fish and chips. We have no doubt the team will represent the sector with pride as ambassadors over the coming year.”

He continues:

“We also want to extend our gratitude to the NFFF for organising the awards, and we were delighted to once again be sponsors of both the Restaurant of the Year and the Takeaway of the Year categories. It’s events like these that push our industry forward, and we already look forward to the next awards!”

 Georgina Colbeck, director at Henry Colbeck, comments on Trenchers’ achievement:

“This is a truly wonderful achievement and one that has clearly been earned through great care, consistency and pride in what they do. To be named Restaurant of the Year shows that Trenchers of Whitby is getting all the fundamentals exactly right – from the quality of the food and the way it is prepared, to the way customers are welcomed and looked after.

“There is something very special about a business that takes such care over every detail, and it is this commitment to doing things properly that sets Trenchers apart. At Henry Colbeck, we are delighted to support operators who uphold these values and continue to show just how exceptional fish and chips can be. This award is a thoroughly deserved recognition of its hard work and dedication.”

Robert Fernandes, marketing manager at V.A. Whitley, pays tribute to Trenchers:

“As one of the sponsors of the 38^th National Fish & Chip Awards, it is a true privilege to announce Trenchers of Whitby as the winner of the Restaurant of the Year category from an exceptional top five. Each finalist has demonstrated outstanding standards, innovation and dedication to delivering the very best fish and chips experience.

“V.A. Whitley and The Q Partnership are particularly proud to return as the sponsors of this great category and to continue our longstanding support of these fantastic awards, recognising the businesses that set the benchmark for excellence across our industry. Congratulations to a truly deserving winner.”

As part of their well-earned recognition, Trenchers and the two runners-up will be treated by Seafood from Iceland to a memorable trip across Iceland’s remote Westfjords, including celebrating Fishermen’s Day in Patreksfjörður. The festivities offer unique insight into the Westfjords’ maritime heritage, as well as experiencing a mix of cultural traditions, family-friendly activities, and community spirit. There will also be a visit to the freezing vessel Julius Geirmundsson (IS-270) owned by Gunnvör, as well as tasting some of the freshest seafood and, naturally, opportunities to soak up Iceland’s famed hot springs.

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

Image: NFFF