The Scrap Box secures Fish & Chip Takeaway title

The Scrap Box in York, owned by brothers Aman and Gavin Dhesi, has been awarded the top honour of Fish & Chip Takeaway at the National Fish & Chip Awards 2026.

The brothers opened The Scrap Box a decade ago, transforming what was once a council-owned toilet block into a popular fish and chip takeaway. Located in a lay-by on the A1079 between York and Hull, the premises were further enhanced in 2024 with the addition of mural covering the exterior that celebrates York’s history and landmarks.

Offering a limited menu to maintain a focus on quality and consistency, the team has been trialling alternative species of fish, including saithe and, most recently, hake in a bid to encourage customers to embrace new flavours and to secure the future of the industry. Judges said its focus on sustainability, commitment to quality and customer service, investment in staff, and equipment upgrades to improve efficiency set it apart. Employing a team of nine, this is the second time the takeaway has reached the Top 10, having also made the final last year.

The brothers received their award in front of an audience of 650 guests, including their parents, who previously owned fish and chip shops and first taught them the trade in their younger years. 

Describing the win as “a huge honour”, Aman added: “We are very aware that we may be the first non-white winners of this award. And while we hope that wouldn’t matter, I think it does, because this dish has always been shaped by proud Brits and by people who came here and built something through hard work – from Cypriot and Greek families to Italian, Pakistani, Indian and Chinese communities, alongside white working-class families up and down the country. Fish and chips has carried all of those stories; it belongs to all of us. To stand here as part of that story is incredibly special.”

Paying tribute to the fish and chip industry, Aman added: “I started out over 10 years ago on the NFFF course, and Gavin followed a couple of years later after university, not really knowing where the journey would take us. Since then, so many chippies have opened their doors to us, sharing advice, sharing mistakes and sharing knowledge. That generosity and willingness to help the next shop get better is something truly unique to this industry and is a huge part of why we are standing here this afternoon.”

Trenchers in Whitby, North Yorkshire, was named Restaurant of the Year for the second time, having previously claimed the title in 2019. Assistant manager Joanne Mason said it was “absolutely amazing” to win, adding: “The staff and the team have worked super hard, and that’s what makes it so special. It’s an everyday job for us, but for other people to spot that is really, really nice.”

In a town where competition is fierce and standards are high, Joanne said standing out makes the accolade even more special. “There are so many fish and chip places here; it’s not like we’re the only one. So to win it and to stand out, and to be recognised with such positivity, is amazing.”

She also highlighted the scale of the operation, which includes a 210-seater restaurant and adjoining takeaway employing more than 100 staff. “This award looks at everything and everyone, from the back of house to the front of house, to things you don’t see. Every little bit of detail has to be nailed and you’ve got to get it spot on every day. And we do, it’s what we all enjoy doing.”

Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year was presented to 23-year-old James Ellams of Fish & Chips at Weston Grove in Upton, Chester. Praised for his knowledge of the business, sustainability and frying, judges said James is “working at a level that pushes boundaries in the most exciting and admirable way”.

James first entered the competition age 20 and has now competed three times, reaching the final twice before finally lifting the trophy this year. Reacting to his win, he said: “I can’t believe I’ve won the Young Fish Frier Award. The level of candidates in the final was insane, so to come out as the top one, I did not expect that at all. I’m just so, so happy, and it is a testament to Josette and Richard Foster as well.”

Commenting on the success of this year’s awards, Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers, said: “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.”

The National Fish & Chip Awards took place at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge hotel in London on Wednesday 25th February and were organised by the NFFF, sponsored by Seafood from Norway and hosted by actor and presenter Stephen Mangan. Sixteen awards were presented in total while a charity raffle raised over £17,000 for Sailors Children’s Society. 

Guests enjoyed a three course lunch featuring cod supplied by the Norwegian frozen-at-sea vessel Geir and prepared by Michelin-starred chef and Seafood from Norway chef ambassador Simon Hulstone.

All winners will take part in a study trip to Norway, courtesy of Seafood from Norway, where they will see first-hand how Norwegian seafood is responsibly sourced at sea.

In addition, the top three in the Restaurant of the Year category will travel to Iceland with Seafood from Iceland to experience the country’s fishing culture and heritage, while finalists in the Marketing Initiative category are invited on a study trip to Belgium, courtesy of award sponsors Aye Aye Chips.

The full list of winners are:

Takeaway of the Year
1st: The Scrap Box, York, Yorkshire
2nd: The Fish Works, Largs, Scotland
3rd: Shaws Fish & Chips of Dodworth, Barnsley, Yorkshire  

Restaurant of the Year
1st: Trenchers of Whitby, Whitby, Yorkshire
2nd: Noah’s, Bristol
3rd: Whitby’s Restaurant & Take Away, Rotherham, Yorkshire  

Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year
James Ellams, Fish & Chips @ Weston Grove- Chester, Cheshire
Runner-up: Abigail Barker, Millers Fish & Chips- Haxby, Yorkshire  

Newcomer of the Year
Monster Fish & Chips Co., Fort Augustus, Inverness-shire, Scotland  

Field to Frier
The Fish Works, Largs, Ayrshire, Scotland  

Employee of the Year
Donna Whitfield, Bells Fish & Chips, Durham, County Durham  

Mobile Operator of the Year
Frosty’s, Northumberland  

Environment and Sustainable Business
The Real Food Café, Tyndrum in Perthshire, Scotland  

Training and Development
Yarm Road Fish & Chips, Darlington, County Durham  

Menu Innovation
Harrison’s Fish & Chip Co in Oxford, Oxfordshire

Marketing Initiative Award
The Scrap Box, York, Yorkshire  

Quality Accreditation Champion
Knight’s Fish Restaurant, Glastonbury, Somerset  

Community Engagement
Bells Fish & Chips, Seaham, County Durham  

International Fish and Chip Operator
Fish & Chips Lake Mývatn, Iceland  

Supplier of the Year
Collins Seafoods  

Outstanding Contribution
David Miller, Millers Fish & Chips, Haxby, Yorkshire