The UK’s best fish and chip shops have been revealed after being longlisted for the coveted ‘Takeaway of the Year’ prize at the 2026 National Fish and Chip Awards
Fish and chips, the golden fried duo, has been a beloved British staple since the 19th century. The UK’s top fish and chip shops have now been unveiled for those seeking the ultimate ‘codtastic’ experience.
Perfecting the crunch and flavour of this comfort food classic is no easy feat, but 40 chippies have managed to get their batter perfectly golden. These establishments from across the UK are in the running for the prestigious ‘Takeaway of the Year’ title at the 2026 National Fish and Chip Awards.
The list includes contenders from coastal hotspots, rural areas, and major cities, all hoping to snatch the crown from current champion Yarm Road Fish & Chips in Darlington, County Durham.
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The nationwide list will be whittled down to 20, then 10, before the winners are finally announced at a ceremony in London in February 2026. Those shortlisted will undergo a thorough evaluation of their businesses, ensuring industry standards remain high from behind-the-scenes operations to customer experience, reports the Express.
Awards will be handed out in 14 categories, including best newcomer and outstanding contribution to the industry. However, the most coveted accolade – the ‘Best Picture’ of the chippy world – is Takeaway of the Year.
The National Fish & Chip Awards is regarded as the most prestigious competition of its kind in the country. According to the official website: “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”.
The UK’s top 40 takeaways
Bristol
Cornwall
- Kellaway’s Fish and Chips, Truro
County Durham
- Bells Fish and Chips, Durham
- Grandpa’s Fish Bar, Durham
Devon
- Alan’s Fish and Chips, Cullompton
- Emerald Fish Bar, Newton Abbott
- Taffs Fish and Chips, Torrington
Essex
- The Fish Inn, Clacton-on-Sea
Greater Manchester
Hampshire
- Mister Pink’s, Lymington
- Mike’s Traditional Fish & Chips, Eastleigh
Kent
- Lewis’s Fish and Grill, Maidstone
- Newington Fish Bar, Ramsgate
Lancashire
- Westend Fish and Chips, Oswaldtwistle
Lincolnshire
- Catch 22, Tattershall
- Hunters Fish and Chips, Louth
London
- Brockley’s Rock, Brockley
- Stones Fish and Chips, Acton
Merseyside
- Portland’s Fish & Chips, Liverpool
Oxfordshire
- Harrison’s Fish & Chip Co., Oxford
- Somerset
- Knights Fish Restaurant, Glastonbury
Suffolk
- Orwell Fish & Chips, Felixstowe
- Tulula’s Fish & Chips, Halesworth
Surrey
Warwickshire
West Midlands
- Hawthorn Fish Bar, Birmingham
Yorkshire
- Mister C’s, Selby
- Shaws Fish and Chips of Dodworth, Barnsley
- The Fish Bank, Sherburn-in-Elmet
- The Scrap Box, York
Wales
- Finney’s Fish and Chips, Benllech
- O’ My Cod, Bridgend
- Zero Plus Fish & Chips, Cardiff
- Dolphin Fish and Chips, The Parrog Goodwick
Northern Ireland
- The Merchant Fish & Chips, Ballymena
Scotland
- Garioch Fish Bar, Inverurie
