Following a host of pressure-filled live tasks and interviews, the final five in the running for Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year 2026 have been announced.
They are:
- Abigail Barker – Millers Fish and Chips in Haxby, Yorkshire
- Kieran Bulpit – Donington Fish and Chips in Spalding, Lincolnshire
- James Ellams – Fish & Chips @ Weston Grove in Chester, Cheshire
- Charlie James – Pier Point in Torquay, Devon
- Jack Spencer – Queens Drive Fish & Chips in Ossett, Yorkshire
The entrants, all under 25 years old with a minimum of six months’ frying experience, have been challenged on the entire cooking process from oil selection knowledge, potato varieties and the required preparation to fish portioning and frying methods. They have also proven their ability to consistently produce outstanding portions of fish and chips.
Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year launched more than 30 years ago and Kelvin Lee, managing director of Drywite, says of the rising stars: “Since it’s conception in 1995 the Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year competition has always proved just how many highly skilled young professionals we have working in the fish and chip industry and this year has been no exception. The judges faced a very difficult task in choosing the very best from five extremely talented young people whose skills are of the highest calibre. It will be a real honour for me to award this year’s winner with the much-coveted Malcolm Lee Trophy.”
Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), which organises the awards ceremony, said: “The confidence, maturity and talent we have seen from each of the contestants this year has been absolutely superb. They’ve used the intensity of the judging rounds to build their resilience, and we’ve seen how they’ve grown in a relatively short space of time. These are just the early days in their careers so there’s no doubt they are going to utilise this experience to achieve everything they’re dreaming of and more.
“We’re also proud of how they are supporting one another even though they’re competing against each other – these are wonderful signs of leadership and integrity. A huge thank you to their respective employers too for providing unwavering encouragement and opportunities for emerging high achievers.”
The 27th winner of the Drywite Young Fish Frier competition will be announced at The National Fish & Chip Awards in London on Wednesday 25th February.
Recent Posts
- Restaurants’ at-home growth below inflation in March as consumers count their costs
- National Fishing Remembrance Day to take place on 10th May
- Value, familiarity and routine-led occasions driving eating out market
- Young Fish Friers head north to visit Colmans and Larry’s Fishcakes
- Hospitality loses three sites a day in tough first quarter of 2026
