National Fish & Chip Awards 2026 open with new category for menu innovation

The National Fish & Chip Awards 2026 are now open for entries, following a launch event held yesterday at Yarm Road Fish & Chips in Darlington, County Durham – the current Fish & Chip Takeaway of the Year title holder.

Now in their 38th year, the awards are organised by the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF) and sponsored by Seafood from Norway. Open to all fish and chip businesses across the UK and internationally, entries are now being accepted across the usual 13 categories, including Restaurant, Takeaway, Newcomer, and Environment and Sustainability. There is also a new addition to the line-up this year: the Menu Innovation Award.

The launch coincided with the unveiling of the Yarm Road’s new 45-seater restaurant, which is set to open later this month. 

Speaking of the success the business has achieved in the four months since earning the acclaimed title, Yarm Road’s director-manager, Will Burrell, comments: “It’s hard to put in to words the impact that winning Takeaway of the Year has had on our business. The week following our win, when the word had gone out, our trade went through the roof.

“Having been operating for eight years, we thought we had achieved peak trade, but we couldn’t have been more wrong. Our trade increased by 30% and has continued on this trajectory.”

For anyone wishing to enter the awards, Will says “just do it”, adding: “We’re just a humble little chippy with a passion for what we do. Winning seemed impossible, but if we can do it, with the right mindset and drive, anyone can! Enter the awards, and if you don’t win, use your feedback to come back stronger. It’s such an amazing and rewarding process, and our business really flourished throughout.”

Chippies that believe their takeaway, restaurant or mobile unit could be number one are encouraged to take the leap. At the same time, those individuals aged 25 looking to develop their skills should consider entering Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year. 

The judging process is led by prominent sector experts, with shortlisted hopefuls required to complete a combination of interviews, tasks, skills tests, inspections and the make-or-break taste-testing portion of the assessment, which happens during a mystery visit.

Andrew Crook, president of the NFFF, said the entry requirements have been revised this year to encourage more first-time entrants, as well as those returning for another shot at the top. He adds: “Our towns and cities need to stay filled with great places to eat the beloved dish of the UK, and ultimately the awards are designed to inspire strategies that help businesses strengthen in all areas and achieve longevity.”

Another new feature this year is public involvement. For the first time ever, members of the public will be able to take part in the search for the best providers of this British classic. Until Monday 7th July, they can head to https://thefishandchipawards.com/ and submit the name of a favourite hot spot they’d like to see entering the 2026 competition. All recommended businesses will be notified that a customer has encouraged them to give the awards a shot. 

Excited to once again be supporting the awards is Seafood from Norway.  Victoria Braathen, UK director of the Norwegian Seafood Council, comments:  “As we proudly return as principal sponsor of the 2026 National Fish & Chip Awards, Seafood from Norway continues to honour the deep-rooted connection between our sustainably sourced seafood and the UK’s most iconic dish. 

“This partnership is more than a sponsorship — it’s a celebration of the people and businesses who bring fish and chips to life with passion, care, and commitment to quality. On behalf of the Norwegian seafood industry, we’re proud to support the next generation of talent and the hardworking operators who uphold this cherished tradition across the UK.”

Shortlisted businesses will be announced from September, with the National Fish & Chip Awards ceremony taking place in February in London.

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