The National Fish & Chip Awards have announced the Takeaway of the Year shortlist for the 2026 awards, which will take place in early 2026.
Known as the fish and chip industry’s crown jewel event, the National Fish & Chip Awards – with Seafood from Norway as principal sponsor - has 14 categories that honour the businesses that serve the crowd-pleasing favourite at the highest level.
Tucking into the classic combo of expertly battered fish and golden chips with a crunch and fluffy interior is a thing of joy. And with the endless ways to adorn it with salt, vinegar, curry sauce, gravy, mushy peas, tartare sauce or even a side of cod roe, there’s no wonder it’s the nation’s favourite dish.
The 2026 search for the best in the business in the Takeaway of the Year category - which is sponsored by Friars Pride, Henry Colbeck, McWhinney’s Sausages, Seafood from Iceland, Smales and V.A. Whitley - has seen chippies from coastal hotspots, rural locations and major cities vying to scoop the prize from current titleholder Yarm Road Fish & Chips in Darlington, County Durham.
Sector specialists have shortlisted 40 businesses to take through to the next round of extensive assessments which will focus on a range of criteria including product quality, hygiene, environmental and operational sustainability, customer service, and industry knowledge.
The National Fish & Chip Awards is regarded as the most prestigious competition of its kind in the UK.
Those in the running will face a comprehensive appraisal of their businesses to ensure industry standards remain at their highest behind the scenes right through to customer experience.
It’s free to enter, with hopefuls receiving tailored critiques which draw attention to brilliance as well as areas for improvement.
Vying for the title of Takeaway of the Year in Scotland are:
Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), which runs the awards, said things are already shaping up to be a standout year for the event.
He said: “We’ve received a wonderful collection of entries for Takeaway of the Year – it is the badge of honour that many in the industry strive for, and we are very excited to see new names on the list.
“This year we invited the public to encourage their favourite chippies to enter, and the campaign has proved successful as the judging panel can see hidden gems emerging at this early stage.
“We’re also delighted to see others giving it another go which shows a commitment to excellence by taking on board previous feedback and coming back in a stronger position.
“It’s going to be an unforgettable experience for the new top 40 takeaways, and we wish them all every success for what we believe is going to be an amazing display of skill, tradition and innovation.”
Will Burrell, co-owner and manager at Yarm Road, said of the business’ victorious win earlier this year: “Winning takeaway of the year 2025 has been the proudest moment of our business life! We went from a busy shop to a crazy-busy one overnight - and it’s showing no signs of slowing down! After eight years of trying to perfect our team and our shop, to hear our name read out down in London was extremely overwhelming!
“The awards process gives you a chance to invigorate yourself, your team and your business. We’ll be sad to hand over the trophy but can’t wait to see amazing fish and chip shops showcase our wonderful industry and keep pushing it forward.
“A huge thanks as ever to the National Federation of Fish Friers for turning dreams into reality and supporting the nation’s favourite takeaway.”
The next stage will see the 40 being halved for the semi-finals, with the top 10 finalists being named later in the year. The awards ceremony will take place in February in London to announce the new champion.
For more information and bits on the National Fish & Chip Awards, please visit the awards website.
