The Oyster Shell, a beloved chip shop located on Moorland Road in Bath, has once again earned a spot among the 50 best fish and chip takeaways in the UK at the prestigious 2026 Fry Awards. This marks their fifth consecutive year on the coveted list, underscoring their consistent excellence in the industry.
The Fry Awards, now in their 14th year, involve a rigorous evaluation process. Mystery diners conduct secret visits to various takeaways, fish and chip restaurants, and mobile units nationwide. They assess each establishment on multiple criteria, including food quality, cleanliness, staff knowledge, value for money, ordering experience, and social media engagement.
The Oyster Shell distinguished itself as the only Bath venue to be featured in both the top takeaway and restaurant categories. To earn this accolade, businesses must achieve exceptionally high scores — with pass marks set at 97% for the takeaway category and 96% for the restaurant category. Impressively, several participants scored a perfect 100%, according to Fry Magazine.
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Celebrating the achievement, The Oyster Shell shared on Instagram: “What a way to start the year! We’re delighted to be in Fry Magazine’s Top 50 fish and chip takeaways for the fifth year in a row.”
Winners of the Fry Awards receive personalised feedback reports detailing their mystery dining experiences, along with a plaque to proudly display in their premises. This year, a new prize was introduced: each winning business receives a premium eight-piece frying utensil set, sponsored by Hopkins, valued at approximately £200.
The Fry Awards continue to highlight the best chip shops across the UK, celebrating outstanding culinary craftsmanship and providing customers with trusted recommendations for high-quality fish and chips.