Britain's humble fish and chips is a favourite comfort dish for many - and now ten restaurants are battling it out to claim the honour of being the UK's best at serving it up. The prestigious Restaurant of the Year title will be handed out at the National Fish and Chip Awards which recognises standout seafood selections across the country. Foodies can expect to find out the overall winner on February 25, when they will be crowned at the awards ceremony at the Park Plaza, Westminster Bridge, in London.
The big victory last year went to Framwellgate Moor branch of Bells Fish and Chips, based in County Durham, but this year's winner could be a new entry. As a part of the exciting prize this year, the three best restaurants will be invited on an immersive trip to Iceland, where they'll have the chance to explore the Icelandic seafood industry.
The previous winner now sees people travel far and wide to get a taste of their selection, with plenty of gushing reviews rolling in to praise their "traditional" offering and "friendly" experience with staff.
An impressed TripAdvisor review said: "Some of the best fish and chips I have had in the UK! We ate here for lunch, and I am glad I did. I have been recommending them to everyone since!"
Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers, said: "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. I have a feeling that Restaurant of the Year is going to be a tough one to separate the winner – all the best to our contenders."
When it came to the best takeaway offerings, last year saw three restaurants take the top spots, all dotted about in different areas of the UK, from Scotland all the way down to Land's End in Cornwall. Yarm Road Fish and Chips, found in Darlington, County Durham, was the winner, followed by The Fish Works in Largs, Scotland, and in third place, as a top takeaway, was Kellaway’s Fish and Chips, based in Truro, Cornwall.
Bristol
Noah’s
Devon
Squires Fish Restaurant & Take Away, Braunton
Lincolnshire
Linfords Traditional Fish and Chips, Market Deeping
London
Golden Union, Soho
Seashell of Lisson Grove, Marylebone
Norfolk
No1 Cromer
Nottinghamshire
The Cod’s Scallops, Nottingham
Somerset
Tuckers Fish & Chips, Cheddar
Yorkshire
Trenchers of Whitby
Whitby's Restaurant & Take Away, Rotherham
