Three fish and chip shops who judges say show “deep connections to their neighbourhoods and a ‘pull together’ attitude” have been named as finalists in the Community Engagement award at The National Fish & Chip Awards 2026.
Bells Fish and Chips in Seaham, County Durham, Jojo’s Fish & Chips in Stafford, Staffordshire, and Time and Plaice in Doncaster, Yorkshire, will be heading to London in February where the winner will be announced.
Bells has been credited for paying tribute to Seaham’s heritage in the mining industry by designing one of its chip shops around the seaside town’s roots. Earlier this year, the shop unveiled George, a miner’s head sculpture that it commissioned to honour previous generations. The team also hosts events for a local charity supporting stroke victims, as well as providing opportunities for schoolchildren to learn about Seaham’s past while enjoying a portion of fish and chips. This has become so popular, Bells is in the process of devising a child-friendly history book of the local area.
In Stafford, Jojo’s Fish & Chips has sponsored of 200 grassroots football teams as well as an e-bike delivery service for vulnerable community members, fed thousands of people for free during National Fish & Chip Day and carried out monthly litter picks to keep the surrounding areas clean and tidy, Team Jojo’s is always looking out for ways to enhance community relations with current initiatives including organising a Christmas parade and an annual hospice fundraiser.
The third finalist, Time and Plaice, regularly provides hot meals for the homeless, while also making sure local schoolchildren are well fed at their camp-out events. It also sponsors a local boy’s football team and even bought a young player a pair of boots he wanted. Another athlete was able to compete in national and European events thanks to contributions from the business.
Andrew Crook, president of the NFFF, the industry association which co-ordinates the awards, commented. “When you have fish and chip shops with a desire to increase neighbourhood wellbeing, it goes a very long way in solidifying relationships and re-energising high streets.
“The Community Engagement award finalists are not only providing fresh, quality food but they are also support networks that champion local pride. They are doing many charitable activities which take a lot of organising behind the scenes while simultaneously running a smooth chippy service – they don’t miss a beat! They are the true heart of the fish and chip industry and it’s an honour to reward those using their businesses as vehicles for good.”
Jógvan Hansen, sales and operations director at JFK, a leading fish producer from the Faroe Islands and sponsor of the Community Engagement Award, added: “The JFK team would like to say ‘thank you’ to all who entered the Community Engagement category, as it has been inspiring to learn of the fantastic causes, initiatives and support fish and chip shops are providing. JFK is also a business that holds local relations in very high regard, and we also do all we can to be a helping hand to others. Congratulations to this year’s top three and we look forward to celebrating them at the upcoming awards.”
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