The Fry Awards, a prestigious competition recognizing the UK’s top fish and chip establishments, has announced its 50 best takeaway and 10 best restaurant winners for 2025. The awards, now in their 13th year, employ mystery diners to rigorously evaluate participating venues based on a range of criteria, including food quality, value for money, and cleanliness. Despite ongoing economic challenges and inflationary pressures, this year’s winners demonstrated remarkable resilience and dedication to maintaining high standards while keeping prices affordable for customers. The judging panel was particularly impressed by the overall quality of the submissions, with one judge declaring a sampled dish to be “the best fish and chips we had tasted in a long time.”
Yorkshire emerged as a dominant force in the takeaway category, securing an impressive ten spots on the list, highlighting the region’s strength in this beloved culinary tradition. Surrey also performed well, boasting three entries among the top 50. The winning establishments represent a diverse geographical spread, with locations ranging from Cornwall to Aberdeenshire, showcasing the nationwide appeal of fish and chips. The list includes both long-established favorites and newer contenders, demonstrating the dynamic nature of the industry and the ongoing pursuit of excellence in preparing this classic British dish. The awards celebrate the dedication and passion of these businesses in delivering exceptional quality and value to their customers.
The awards organizer, Reece Head, commended the winning establishments for their ability to adapt to current economic challenges and maintain their commitment to providing exceptional quality and value. Head emphasized the resilience of the businesses in navigating inflationary pressures while prioritizing customer satisfaction. The awards also highlighted the versatility of fish and chips, with winners representing a variety of service formats, including traditional restaurants, takeaways, and mobile units, reinforcing the accessibility and enduring popularity of this classic dish across different dining experiences. The judging process, involving anonymous diners, ensures an objective assessment of the quality and overall experience offered by each establishment.
The list of winning takeaway fish and chip shops spans the length and breadth of the UK, highlighting the national love affair with this quintessential dish. From Ainsworth’s in Caernarfon, Wales, to The Village Fish & Chips in Petts Wood, Kent, the winners represent a diverse range of businesses, each demonstrating a commitment to excellence in their craft. The list includes establishments in bustling urban centres and quaint village locations, demonstrating the widespread appeal of fish and chips across diverse communities. The inclusion of mobile units like Shappy Wheels in Cumbria underscores the evolving nature of the industry and its ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences.
The top restaurant category also showcases a geographic spread of culinary excellence, with winning establishments located in Scotland, Northern Ireland, England, and Cornwall. Catch in Glasgow, Fish City in Belfast, and Pier Point Bar & Restaurant in Torquay were among the restaurants recognized for their outstanding fish and chip offerings. The list also includes established favorites like The Magpie Cafe in Whitby and The Scallop Shell in Bath, alongside newer entrants like Eric’s Fish & Chips in Hunstanton. The diversity of the winning restaurants reflects the ongoing evolution of fish and chips, with chefs and restaurateurs continually innovating and refining their approach to this classic dish.
The Fry Awards serve as a valuable benchmark for the fish and chip industry, recognizing and rewarding businesses that prioritize quality, value, and customer satisfaction. The rigorous judging process, based on anonymous assessments, ensures a fair and transparent evaluation of each participating establishment. The awards not only celebrate the best in the business but also inspire others to strive for excellence, contributing to the ongoing growth and development of the fish and chip industry as a whole. The continued success of the Fry Awards underscores the enduring popularity of fish and chips as a national dish and its important role in the UK’s culinary landscape.
