‘Oscars of fish and chip shops’ unveils 10 finalists battling to be crowned Britain’s best chippy

October 13, 2026Ghana

By ALESIA FIDDLER – TRAVEL REPORTER 00:07 14 Oct 2026, updated 00:07 14 Oct 2026

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Whether enjoyed beside the seaside or wrapped up at your local village chippy, few things are more quintessentially British than a piping-hot portion of fish and chips.

Now, the hunt is on to find the nation’s finest, with 10 restaurants shortlisted for the prestigious National Fish and Chip Awards 2027 – dubbed the ‘Oscars’ of the fish and chip world.

The finalists are competing for the coveted Restaurant of the Year title, which recognises establishments that go above and beyond when it comes to exceptional food, outstanding hospitality and an unforgettable dining experience.

Judges assess everything from the quality and consistency of the food to customer service, sustainability, staff development and business operations, with the overall winner set to be announced in February.

Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers, which organises the awards, said: ‘Choosing our top 10 Restaurant of the Year shortlist is one of the most rewarding parts of the competition, and this year’s participants are showcasing remarkable skill, commitment and innovation.

‘Their achievements highlight the excellent standards being set by businesses that continue to raise the bar.’

From Yorkshire to the Scottish coast, this year’s finalists span the length and breadth of Britain. But which chippies have made the cut? Here are the 10 restaurants vying to be crowned the nation’s best.

An award-winning establishment with a vast menu, Chesters at Vale offers a large cod, haddock or plaice with a portion of chips, peas, salad and tartare sauce for £17.

Located in Duckmanton, a village in Chesterfield, the surrounding area has plenty to do and see.

A popular 1940s-style market is held in Chesterfield every year, which sees the town centre transformed into a vintage world.

Chesterfield Canal also offers a peaceful spot to walk along, and there are bountiful outdoor spaces and parks to visit nearby too.

If a chippy tea by the water is how you like to dine, Lakeside Fish & Chips in Poole is the place to go.

The family-run restaurant dates back to 1984 and overlooks Poole Harbour.

Diners can enjoy an 8oz cod served with salad, lemon and chips for £19.95, or haddock for £20.95.

Poole is a bustling coastal town with a rich maritime history and beautiful sea views.

Visitors can book a night at the RNLI College Hotel, just a ten-minute walk from Lakeside Fish & Chips.

The unique hotel overlooks the sea terrace and is where lifeboat volunteers are trained to become crew members.

Harbour Fish Bar can be found in the heart of Folkestone, a coastal town in south-east England.

Customers can get a regular cod for £10.50 or treat themselves to a large for £12.50. Chips are an additional £4 for a regular portion.

Folkestone is a vibrant seaside spot with beautiful walks and beaches.

Folkestone Beach is a favourite with locals and holidaymakers. It’s a mixture of shingles and pebbles and is overlooked by cliffs.

Bringing London into the mix, Golden Union is located in bustling Soho.

A retro-style restaurant that opened in 2008, Golden Union offers a small haddock or cod and chips for £19.95, large costs £22.95.

They also have a selection of homemade pies on the menu priced at £16.50 each, served with chips.

Located in the heart of London, it’s a great spot to stop by whilst exploring the city or seeing a West End show.

Boasting a menu of locally sourced seafood, No1 Cromer uses traditional cooking methods and dishes up award-winning meals.

Diners can choose from Upstairs at No1 Cromer which serves weekly seasonal specials, or Downstairs at No1 Cromer which offers traditional fish and chips whilst enjoying views of the North Sea.

Cod and chips is priced at £23, while haddock and chips is £19.50.

Visitors to Cromer can enjoy sandy beaches, delve into local history at museums and walk along the Norfolk Coast Path.

Located in Nottingham, The Cod’s Scallops was created by John Molnar in 2011, a chef with 30 years of experience.

Diners have the choice from over 20 varieties of fish cooked fresh to order – from classics like haddock, cod, scampi and hake, to Shetland Isle scallops, salmon and oysters.

There are three restaurants – West Bridgford, Sherwood and Wollaton.

Nottingham is a lively city with plenty to do. Visitors can explore Nottingham Castle, located in the city centre, or explore nearby parks and gardens.

Located nearby Ipswich waterfront, Ocean Fish Platter offers a wide selection of dishes.

All of its fish is deep-fried in beef dripping and the restaurant’s own crispy batter recipe.

Diners can get a regular cod or haddock for £15.95, or a large for £18.95, served with homemade tartare sauce, lemon and a choice of two sides from chips, salad, minted mushy peas or garden peas.

Ipswich is located along the River Orwell and has a range of attractions.

It is home to Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park, which was named ‘Large Visitor Attraction of the Year’ by VisitEngland in June, and Ipswich Town Football Club Stadium which offers tours.

A family-run establishment in Felixstowe, Saltwater Fish & Chips first opened in 2020.

Diners can enjoy views of Felixstowe Beach whilst tucking into a £14.50 traditional fish and chips (cod or haddock), or a large portion for £16.50.

Felixstowe is a charming seaside town in Suffolk and has everything from colourful beach huts to a traditional Victorian seafront.

The historic pier dates back to 1905 and visitors can check out the Spa Pavilion, which hosts shows and performances throughout the year.

Whitby’s Restaurant & Takeaway in Rotherham promises customers: ‘Once you’ve been to Whitby’s we know you’ll be back.’

A regular haddock/cod and chips comes to £14.45, while a small is just £11.95.

The South Yorkshire town of Rotherham boasts the 15th-century Rotherham Minster and has a rich industrial history.

Centenary Riverside Nature Reserve is located on the former steelworks site and is a lovely green space to explore.

Sheffield is nearby too and is just 12 minutes away by train or 20 minutes on the bus.

In South Queensferry, The Crab & Lobster Fish Shack promises it ‘captures the romance of the coast’.

Regular haddock comes to £16.95, jumbo is £19.95, served with ‘proper chippy chips’, tartare sauce and lemon.

South Queensferry is a coastal town with a harbour, beach and lots of independent shops and businesses to check out.

It is home to the UNESCO designated Forth Bridge and visitors are only a 30-minute drive from Edinburgh.

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