Fisherman’s Bay in Whitley Bay has won a national award for its vegan 'no-fish and chips'. The restaurant and takeaway was named 'best vegan fish' in PETA's 2026 Vegan Food Awards.
The traditional fish and chip shop, which also offers a vegan version of the dish, was singled out by PETA, whose name stands for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. The dish had previously impressed a Chronicle reviewer, who described it as 'the star of the show' and wrote: "Had I tried it and not known it was a vegan substitute, I would have assumed I was eating fish."
PETA's praise for the cruelty-free catch
PETA said Fisherman’s Bay's "cruelty-free catch" is "a vegan upgrade on a British favourite that delivers seaside satisfaction without anyone being hauled from the sea". Its write-up added: "Don’t forget the mushy peas and a generous splash of vinegar."
The organisation, whose motto includes "animals are not ours to eat or abuse in any other way", said fish have long memories and that when it comes to the ability to feel pain, hunger and fear "a fish is a dog is a boy". It also claimed vegan foods have a smaller carbon footprint and lower the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer.
Award categories and other winners
PETA offers free vegan starter kits to anyone wanting to make the lifestyle switch. Dawn Carr, its vice president of vegan corporate projects, said: "Fisherman’s Bay’s 'no-fish and chips' offers diners a delicious taste of the sea without harming a single fish, and is worthy of the top spot. PETA’s 2026 Vegan Food Awards celebrate businesses serving up delicious fare and making it easier than ever to choose foods that don’t harm animals."
The awards also included categories for best vegan ice cream, milk, pie, cheese, chicken, burger, hot dog, cake and chocolate. Among the winners were Edinburgh business Ciao Roma, which won the 'best ice cream' category for its vegan Biscoff flavour, and Scottish brand Jarvis Pickle, which won 'best pie' for a plant-based haggis pie variety.
