The National Fish & Chip Awards have unveiled their 2026 shortlist, highlighting the 40 finest takeaways across the UK. Among these culinary contenders is Knights Fish Restaurant from Glastonbury, Somerset, a long-standing family-run business with a rich heritage dating back to 1895.
Now in its 38th year, the awards honour the quintessential British dish — fish and chips — by recognising establishments that excel in food quality, hygiene, sustainability, customer service, and industry expertise. Each takeaway is rigorously evaluated by industry professionals to ensure that the winners set the highest standard in the nation.
Knights Fish Restaurant, previously crowned Fish and Chip Restaurant of the Year in 2024 and a consistent top contender in preceding years, proudly celebrates its continued recognition. The Knight family attributes their success to over a century of dedication and commitment to outstanding quality and tradition.
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Current champion, Yarm Road Fish & Chips in Darlington, exemplifies the impact of winning, with co-owner Will Burrell noting that the title turned their business from “busy” to “crazy-busy” overnight, showcasing the award’s power to energise and elevate winning establishments.
Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers, emphasises the competition’s role in uncovering hidden gems and encouraging businesses to continually improve. The public’s involvement in nominations this year has introduced fresh names into the mix, making the contest more dynamic than ever.
Sponsor Friars Pride highlights the skill and passion embodied by the nominees, underscoring the award’s role in celebrating culinary craftsmanship.
The competition will move into its semi-final stage later this year, narrowing down the 40 shortlisted takeaway shops to the Top 10 finalists. The culminating awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in London in February 2026, where the ultimate Fish & Chip establishment will be crowned.
The top 40 best fish and chip takeaways in the UK include:
Bristol: Henbury Fryer
Cornwall: Kellaway’s Fish and Chips
County Durham: Bells Fish and Chips, Grandpa’s Fish Bar
Devon: Alan’s Fish and Chips, Emerald Fish Bar, Taffs Fish and Chips
Essex: The Fish Inn
Greater Manchester: Taylors
Hampshire: Mister Pink’s, Mike’s Traditional Fish & Chips
Kent: Lewis’s Fish and Grill, Newington Fish Bar
Lancashire: Westend Fish and Chips
Lincolnshire: Catch 22, Hunters Fish and Chips
London: Brockley’s Rock, Stones Fish and Chips
Merseyside: Portland’s Fish & Chips
Oxfordshire: Harrison’s Fish & Chip Co.
Somerset: Knights Fish Restaurant
Suffolk: Orwell Fish & Chips, Tulula’s Fish & Chips
Surrey: Seafare Guildford
Warwickshire: Harbury Catch
West Midlands: Hawthorn Fish Bar
Yorkshire: Mister C’s, Shaws Fish and Chips, The Fish Bank, The Scrap Box
Wales: Finney’s Fish and Chips, O’ My Cod, Zero Plus Fish & Chips, Dolphin Fish and Chips
Northern Ireland: The Merchant Fish & Chips
Scotland: Garioch Fish Bar
This esteemed list represents the finest fish and chip takeaways across the country, each embodying tradition, innovation, and a passion for quality cooking.