The National Fish & Chip Awards 2027 has narrowed its list from 20 to 10 of the top fish and chip shops in the UK, with several unexpected locations making the cut.
The 10 establishments beat thousands of entrants to reach the shortlist for one of the industry's most coveted awards. While some seaside destinations have made it through, food lovers may be surprised to see a London establishment among the top entries, proving the finest fish and chips in the UK are not always served by the coast.
Judging criteria and the road to the final
The Restaurant of the Year winner is regarded as the official benchmark of excellence, as the award recognises every aspect of what makes a good fish and chip shop. Shops are judged extensively across categories including food quality, consistency, customer experience, business operations, sustainability, staff development and overall standards.
The final round will determine the ultimate five chippies, and the awards ceremony will take place next February, where the overall winner will be crowned.
Insights from the 2026 winner
Andrew Wilkinson, General Manager of Trenchers of Whitby, which won the 2026 Restaurant of the Year title, shared his thoughts on the achievement. He said: "Well what a year! By far the best and busiest we’ve had, and it’s still going strong. I am so proud of the team here."
He added: "Since winning Restaurant of the Year, we have created many more full-time positions here at Whitby and also opened the fourth Trenchers Restaurant at Bowness on Windermere."
Offering advice to the new entrants, Wilkinson said: "I would like to congratulate this year’s top ten on your fantastic achievement. Be proud to reach this stage and make sure you tell the world! All the best of luck."
The 10 shortlisted restaurants
This year's list includes coastal spots such as Cromer and Folkestone, Kent, as well as a fish and chip shop in Soho, London, and establishments in the countryside, showing that the UK's best could be anywhere.
The 10 restaurants are:
- Chesters at Vale, Chesterfield
- Lakeside Fish & Chips, Poole
- Harbour Fish Bar, Folkestone
- Golden Union, Soho
- No1 Cromer
- The Cod’s Scallops, Nottingham
- Ocean Fish Platter, Ipswich
- Saltwater Fish & Chips, Felixstowe
- Whitby’s Restaurant & Takeaway, Rotherham
- The Crab & Lobster Fish Shack, South Queensferry
The winner will be announced at the awards ceremony in February 2027.
