A SOMERSET chippy is in the running to be crowned restaurant of the year at the 2026 National Fish & Chip Awards.
A shortlist of 10 tasty takeaways and restaurants has been unveiled, recognising “amazing food, passion for the sector, quality and high-level commitment to serving customers the best of the best”.
Judges in the category, sponsored by Q Partnership, have designed a “detailed review process” to grade participants against benchmarks aimed at highlighting the best outlets.
And one Somerset fish and chip shop has made the list.
The 10 restaurants tipped for the top at the 2026 National Fish & Chip Awards are:
- Noah’s, Bristol
- Squires Fish Restaurant & Take Away, Braunton, Devon
- Linfords Traditional Fish and Chips, Market Deeping, Lincolnshire
- Golden Union, Soho, London
- Seashell of Lisson Grove, Marylebone, London
- No1 Cromer, Norfolk
- The Cod’s Scallops, Nottingham
- Tuckers Fish & Chips, Cheddar, Somerset
- Trenchers of Whitby, Yorkshire
- Whitby’s Restaurant & Take Away, Rotherham
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“Small businesses are the lifeblood of the UK high street, and they provide the kind of opportunity, variety and individuality that boosts economies and brings us all together, and we are taking this opportunity to champion this year’s standout restaurants,” said Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), which runs the awards.
“The shortlisted 10 are making long-lasting contributions to uphold the great British institution of fish and chips, whether it’s with a traditional take or elevated to fine dining status.
“Sitting down at the table with family or friends to enjoy a fantastic meal is where memories are made and it’s wonderful to see these restaurants creating shared experiences across multi-generations with great precision.
“I have a feeling that Restaurant of Year is going to be a tough one to separate the winner – all the best to our contenders.”
Luke Townsend, marketing manager at Friars Pride, offers his congratulations to the finalists, and added: “Friars Pride is thrilled to congratulate the top 10 shortlisted restaurants for the Restaurant of the Year award at the National Fish & Chip Awards.
“Each of these incredible shops truly demonstrates a deep passion for the industry and a commitment to providing an outstanding experience for every customer.
“We wish all of you the very best of luck in the next round of the awards.
“As a family business ourselves, we understand the dedication and passion the family-run businesses within the fish and chip industry have. We are proud to be sponsoring the Restaurant of the Year category alongside the Q Partnership, and we’re delighted to play a part in celebrating such a high level of excellence.”
The Framwellgate Moor branch of Bells Fish & Chips in County Durham claimed the Restaurant of the Year 2025 award, and managing director Graham Kennedy said: “Huge congratulations to the 10 shortlisted for Restaurant of the Year 2026.
“Winning this award was one of the proudest moments in our history and an experience our team will never forget. It was challenging, exciting and immensely rewarding in equal measure.”
The highest scoring five restaurants after judging will progress to the semi-finals, which will be announced later this year, with the overall winner to be crowned on February 25, 2026, at the awards ceremony at the Park Plaza, Westminster Bridge.
For more information and bits on the National Fish & Chip Awards, visit thefishandchipawards.com.
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