Most of the top contenders are all in one region (Image: Getty)
The ‘Oscars’ of the seafood industry are finally here, and they have revealed exactly where you should be getting your fish and chips from in the UK.
The National Fish & Chip Awards 2026 paid homage yesterday to the powerhouses within the food sector and crowned the winners for both Restaurant and Takeaway of the Year.
They also listed the runners-up, which are standout eateries alone, having competed against the 10,500+ chippy operators in which the competition is open to.
Those shortlisted, in order to be taken seriously, must show ‘extensive product knowledge, sustainable business practices, employer integrity, first-rate customer service’ and, of course, a mastered skill in cooking delicious fish and chips.
Although, what can’t be ignored is that both winners, and four out of the six total commended, are based in Yorkshire – arguably now the real home of the chippy in the UK.
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There are a number of other categories – including Newcomer of the Year (Image: Getty)
Fish and Chip Takeaway of the Year
Coming out on top in first place for the best takeaway for classic fish and chips in the country was The Scrap Box in York.
They set up the business with the hopes of becoming a chippy that serves all the villages dotted between York and Pocklington, as well as serving those venturing out to the campsites and coasts en route.
The two co-owners of the shop, Aman and Gavin Dhesi, who also happen to be brothers, are thrilled with their achievement. Gavin shared: « 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 Takeaway of the Year winner (Image: The National Fish & Chip Awards / SWNS)
Fish and Chip Restaurant of the Year
In first place for 2026, as the number one fish and chip restaurant, was the Trenchers of Whitby in Whitby, Yorkshire.
First established in 1980, this restaurant is definitely not the new kid on the block and has cemented itself in the industry for some time now, crafting the skill of tasty seafood.
Their website states: « At Trenchers New Quay Road, we fry using the traditional method of beef dripping to ensure the best possible product for our customers.
« With options including seafood salads, crab, lobster, fresh fish, homemade pies and lasagnes, Whitby scampi, vegetarian options and a dedicated children’s menu, there truly is something for everyone.
Among the runners-up are some standout shops and restaurants also making a name for themselves within the industry, and notably, a lot of the winners are based in Yorkshire.
In second place for the best fish and chip takeaway was The Fish Works, based in Largs, Scotland, joined in third place by Shaws Fish & Chips of Dodworth in Barnsley, Yorkshire.
Then when it came to the top contenders for the restaurant of the year, in second place was the acclaimed Noah’s in Bristol. In third place we saw Whitby’s Restaurant & Take Away in – you guessed it – Yorkshire, specifically in Rotherham.
Andrew Crook, the president of the National Federation of Fish Friers, who was a part of this year’s judging panel, commented: « It’s been clear from the start that those competing came with serious agendas to elevate industry best practice like never before, and we are so proud to say these are the winners!”
« Fish and chip businesses are the backbone of the takeaway space; the heritage is like no other, and our winners represent tradition and the future to the highest degree. »
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