The 10 semi-finalists in the Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year category at the National Fish & Chip Awards 2026 have been announced, selected from a shortlist of 14.
The talented individuals, aged 25 and under, progress through to the third round of the competition having shown standout talent and knowledge of different types of oil, chipping potatoes and frying techniques, among many other elements, to consistently deliver an excellent meal.
Hoping to follow in the footsteps of Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year 2025 winner Glen Morrison of Garioch Fish Bar in Inverurie, Scotland, are:
- Abigail Barker – Millers Fish and Chips in Haxby, Yorkshire
- Kieran Bulpit – Donington Fish and Chips in Spalding, Lincolnshire
- Amy Crombleholme – Hunters Fish & Chips in Louth, Lincolnshire
- James Ellams – Fish & Chips @ Weston Grove in Chester, Cheshire
- Matthew Faulkner – Cox’s at the Lighthouse in St Neots, Cambridgeshire
- Charlie James – Pier Point in Torquay, Devon
- Ben Langlands – Anstruther Fish Bar in Anstruther, Scotland
- Dylan MacDonald – Lows Traditional Fish & Chips in Aberdeen, Scotland
- Jack Spencer – Queens Drive Fish & Chips in Ossett, Yorkshire
- Megan White – Herts & Essex Foods – The Golden Fillet in Clacton, Essex
Kelvin Lee, managing director of Drywite, which spearheaded the initiative 30 years ago, says the semi-finalists are a credit to the businesses they work at and the industry, adding: “I am very pleased to see both new and old faces reaching this year’s Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year semi-final, all are extremely talented young people, and I wish them all the very best of luck in the next round of the competition.”
Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), which puts the event together, adds: “These are ambitious individuals who are immersing themselves in industry experiences and training, they are visiting each other’s shops, sharing tips and pushing the boundaries of what they can do. It is refreshing to see and exciting to know that Britain’s treasured comfort food is in the hands of these extraordinary young professionals.”
Next, the 10 hopefuls will undergo an in-depth assessment by experienced industry judges at the semi-finalists’ respective shops, where every aspect of their role will be examined. This will determine the finalists with the winner announced at the awards ceremony in London on 25th February at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge hotel.
Tickets for award ceremony are available now at: https://thefishandchipawards.com/event-tickets/.
