Chip & Fish, a fish and chip shop on Benton Road in Longbenton, Newcastle, has been named the Best Fish and Chip Shop in the North East at the inaugural English Fish & Chip Awards. The awards ceremony took place on Monday at the Midland Hotel in Manchester, where finalists from various categories gathered to learn the winners.
Chip & Fish Triumphs Over Strong Competition
The Longbenton chippy, which boasts numerous five-star reviews, saw off stiff competition from other regional favourites including Fisherman's Bay and Colmans to take the title. The award recognises excellence, tradition, and innovation in the fish and chip industry, celebrating England's most beloved culinary staple.
Gavin Dhillon, who runs Chip & Fish with his brother Arjun, expressed his delight to ChronicleLive as he prepared to return from Manchester. "We're all over the moon," he said. "Our family have been involved in the fish and chip industry for 30 years so to win is a massive deal for us."
A Black-Tie Celebration of Fish and Chips
Dhillon noted that the event was a far cry from typical fish and chip shop awards. "I've been to awards before, but nothing on the scale of Monday night's. Fish and chips aren't the most high end of cuisines, but it was a proper black tie occasion—you couldn't get in without a bow tie and it was great to catch up with people from all over the UK."
Reflecting on the reasons for their success, Dhillon attributed it to tradition and consistency. "Truly, I think it's down to how traditional we've always kept things. We also concentrate on maintaining a high level of service and consistency. What I think stands us above the rest is our dedication to always putting out the best product."
Family Legacy and Industry Recognition
The Dhillon family has been in the fish and chip trade for three decades, and this award marks a significant milestone. The English Fish & Chip Awards, held for the first time this year, aim to highlight the best in the industry across England. Chip & Fish's victory underscores its commitment to quality and its standing in the North East's competitive fish and chip scene.
