Important information: You can only enter one of the Group A categories at the National Fish and Chip Awards and up to two categories from Group B and any from Category C. Please read the criteria for the category/categories you are entering to make sure you meet the criteria. Some categories are closely followed by Zoom calls should you progress, please make a note of these dates when entering as Zoom dates are non-negotiable. Spelling, punctuation and grammar are not taken into account. The use of AI is not permitted, any entry seen to be using it will be disqualified.
Please note: If entering more than one category, where you are a finalist, a maximum of 2 tickets will be allocated irrelevant of how many categories you are finalist in. No expenses are provided.
Group A- You can only enter 1 category from this group
- Fish and Chip Takeaway of the year Closing date 11th August 25.
- Fish and Chip Newcomer of the year Closing date 15th September 25.
- International Fish and Chip Operator of the Year Closing date 15th September 25.
- Fish and Chip Restaurant of the Year Closing date 15th
Group B- You can only enter a maximum of 2 categories from this group, even if you didn’t enter any in Group A
- Field to Frier Award Closing date 15th September 25
- Fish and Chip Mobile Operator of the Year Closing date 23rd September 25.
- Marketing Initiative of the year Award Closing date 23rd September 25
- Environmental and Sustainable Business Award Closing date 23rd September 25
- Menu Innovation Award Closing date 23rd September 25
- NFFF Quality Accreditation Champion Closing date 30th September 25
Group C -All Categories can be entered, even if you didn’t enter any in Group A or Group B
- Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year Closing date 16th September 25
- Employee of the year Closing date 30th September 25
- Community Engagement Award Closing date 30th September 25
- Training and Development Award Closing date 30th September 25
Group D NFFF Sponsored categories.
- Outstanding Contribution to Industry Award Closing date 15th December 25
- Supplier of the Year Award Closing date 15th December 25
Entry Criteria for each category. Please read carefully before entering your chosen category to ensure you fully meet the requirements.
Group A – Fish and Chip Newcomer of the year. Closing date 15th September 2025
About this category- please note, if you progress there will a Zoom call on 01/10/25
This category is to find the best new fish and chip operator in the UK.
Who can enter?
The Fish and Chip Newcomer of the year category is open to all bona fide fish and chip shops (including those with a restaurant attached) but not mobile operators – in the United Kingdom (excluding shops in the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man). For restaurants with a takeaway option, the takeaway must stand alone and not be within the restaurant. The takeaway must be prominently placed and have a separate entrance alongside the restaurant.
To qualify for entry businesses must have started after the 1st of January 2024 and be new to the fish and chip industry. You must have a frying range and fish and chips must be the focus of the business.
Businesses can only enter this category once, whether a finalist or not.
Judging
An industry judging panel, comprising senior representatives from across the fish and chip sector, will appraise and score all submitted entries, The resultant Top 5 will then be asked to take part in a zoom interview, and the final 3 will be visited on an unannounced date.
Each judging stage is accumulative and go to an overall score.
The entrant and one guest from the three shortlisted businesses/shops will be invited to attend the national awards ceremony in London, where the overall winner will be announced. If entering more than one category, where you are a finalist, a maximum of 2 tickets will be allocated irrelevant of how many categories you are finalist in.
If on inspection, a business/shop does not match the information written on their application form, or there is evidence of AI being used, the business/shop will automatically be disqualified.
For mystery and unannounced visits, the owner does not need to be present. Industry Judges will announce themselves and provide I.D.
Published dates are subject to change.
Group A – Fish and Chip Takeaway of the year. Closing date 11th August 2025
About this category
This category is to find the fish and chip takeaway that operates to the highest industry standards and produces quality fish and chips.
Who can enter?
The Fish and Chip Takeaway of the Year category is open to all bona fide fish and chip businesses. Multiple operators can enter one branch only. In the case of Limited companies, you can only enter one company you are listed as a director of. There is no limit to the number of outlets you own, but you can only promote any success in the entered outlet (including those with a restaurant attached), in the United Kingdom (excluding businesses in the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man). For restaurants with a takeaway option, the takeaway must stand alone and not be within the restaurant. The takeaway must be prominently placed and have a separate entrance alongside the restaurant. You must have a frying range and fish and chips must be the focus of the business.
Judging
The first round of judging will be based on your answers and photographic evidence submitted on the award’s portal.
A shortlist of 60 entries will undergo a mystery visit performed by an independent company.
The cumulative score will then determine the Top 40.
The Top 40 will then be required to undertake a short Zoom call where further questions will be asked. (Please note, your business does not need to be open for this Zoom call, if you reach this stage the time and date is non-negotiable and will be between 15-30 September 25).
The cumulative score will then determine the Top 20.
Top 20 shops will then be asked to take part in a zoom interview with industry specialists to determine a Top 10. This will be carried out when your business is open.
The Top 10 will then receive an unannounced visit by an industry specialist.
The Top 10 will then undergo an interview stage with a panel of judges from across the industry.
Accumulative scoring will determine top 3 and overall winner.
The top ten shops will be invited to the ceremony in London along with a guest where the top three shops in the UK will be announced and the winner crowned.
If on inspection, a business/shop does not match the information written on their application form, or there is evidence of AI being used, the business/shop will automatically be disqualified.
For mystery and unannounced visits, the owner does not need to be present. Industry Judges will announce themselves and provide I.D.
Published dates are subject to change.
If entering more than one category, where you are a finalist, a maximum of 2 tickets will be allocated irrelevant of how many categories you are finalist in.
Group A – Fish and Chip Restaurant of the Year. Closing date: 15th September 2025
About this category – If you progress there will be a zoom round on either the 6th or 7th October 25
This category is to find the fish and chip restaurant that operates to the highest industry standards, offers excellent service, and produces fish and chips of the highest quality.
Who can enter?
The Fish and Chip Restaurant of the Year category is open to all bona fide independent fish and chip restaurants (including those with a takeaway attached), in the United Kingdom (excluding businesses in the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man). Multiple operators can enter one branch only. In the case of Limited companies, you can only enter one company you are listed as a director of. There is no limit to the number of outlets you own, but you can only promote any success in the entered outlet.
To qualify as a fish and chip restaurant you must have a frying range and fish and chips must be the focus of the business.
To enter your restaurant, you must have a minimum of 40 covers, offering table service and food to be served on a plate.
Judging
The first round of judging will be based on your answers and photographic evidence submitted on the portal.
This will determine a Top 10.
The second round of judging will consist of a Zoom interview with industry specialists. This will be carried out when your business is open. If you reach this stage, the time and date is non-negotiable and will be October 2025. This will determine a Top 5.
The Top 5 will the receive an unannounced visit and taste test by an industry specialist.
The top 5 restaurants will be invited to the ceremony in London along with a guest where the top three shops in the UK will be announced and the winner crowned.
If on inspection, a business/shop does not match the information written on their application form, or there is evidence of AI being used, the business/shop will automatically be disqualified.
For mystery and unannounced visits, the owner does not need to be present. Industry Judges will announce themselves and provide I.D.
Published dates are subject to change.
If entering more than one category, where you are a finalist, a maximum of 2 tickets will be allocated irrelevant of how many categories you are finalist in.
Group B. Fish and Chip Mobile Operator of the Year. Closing date: 23rd September 2025
About this category- If you progress there will be a zoom round on 30th September 25
This category is to find the best mobile fish and chip operator in the UK.
Who can enter?
The Fish and Chip Mobile Operator of the Year is open to any operator of fish and chip mobile unit in the United Kingdom (excluding businesses in the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man).
Mobile units must be equipped with a frying range and fish and chips must be the focus of the business.
The number of units you operate is not taken into consideration.
Judging
An industry judging panel, comprising senior representatives from across the fish and chip sector, will appraise and score all submitted entries, The resultant Top 5 will then be asked to take part in a Zoom interview at your premises whilst operational, after which the final 3 will be announced. Dates will be provided should you progress to this stage and are non-negotiable.
The entrant and one guest from the three shortlisted businesses will be invited to attend the national awards ceremony in London, where the overall winner will be announced.
If on inspection, a business/shop does not match the information written on their application form, or there is evidence of AI being used, the business/shop will automatically be disqualified.
Published dates are subject to change.
If entering more than one category, where you are a finalist, a maximum of 2 tickets will be allocated irrelevant of how many categories you are finalist in.
Group B – Field to Frier Award. Closing date: 15th September 2025
About this category – Please note, if you progress there will be a Zoom round on either 8th or 9th October 25
This award gives businesses the opportunity to be recognised for their excellence in potato knowledge and chip preparation.
Who can enter?
The Field to Frier Award is open to all bona fide fish and chip businesses – independent shops or multiple groups (including those with a restaurant attached) – in the United Kingdom (but excluding businesses in the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man).
You can use pre-prepared chips or make your own from potatoes, but you must have a thorough understanding of the process.
Judging
An industry judging panel, comprising senior representatives from across the fish and chip sector, will appraise and score all submitted entries, The resultant Top 10 will then be asked to take part in a short Zoom interview on your premises, after which the final 3 will be decided.
The Top 3 will the receive an unannounced visit and taste test by an industry specialist.
For mystery and unannounced visits, the owner does not need to be present. Industry Judges will announce themselves and provide I.D.
Published dates are subject to change.
A member and one guest from the three shortlisted businesses/shops will be invited to attend the national awards ceremony in London, where the overall winner will be announced.
If on inspection, a business/shop does not match the information written on their application form, or there is evidence of AI being used, the business/shop will automatically be disqualified.
If entering more than one category, where you are a finalist, a maximum of 2 tickets will be allocated irrelevant of how many categories you are finalist in.
Group B. Community Engagement Award– Closing date: 30th September 2025
About this category – If you progress there will be a zoom round on 2nd October 25
This category is for businesses that go above and beyond to strive to make a difference within their community.
Who can enter?
The community engagement award is open to all fish and chip outlets in the United Kingdom (excluding businesses in the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man).
Judging
An industry judging panel, comprising senior representatives from across the fish and chip sector, will appraise and score all submitted entries.
Top 3 businesses will be announced who will be invited to London.
The Top 3 businesses will undertake a Zoom interview to determine the overall winner.
The entrant and one guest from the three shortlisted businesses will be invited to attend the national awards ceremony in London, where the overall winner will be announced.
If on inspection, a business/shop does not match the information written on their application form, or there is evidence of AI being used, the business/shop will automatically be disqualified.
Published dates are subject to change.
If entering more than one category, where you are a finalist, a maximum of 2 tickets will be allocated irrelevant of how many categories you are finalist in.
Group B. Marketing initiative of the year Award closing date: 23rd September 2025
About this category
This category is open to businesses that are consistently engaging with new and existing custom through a variety of social media/marketing campaigns and activities, judges will be looking for innovative approaches over the last 12 months.
Who can enter?
The Marketing initiative of the year Award is open to all fish and chip outlets in the United Kingdom (but excluding businesses in the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man).
Judging
An industry judging panel, comprising senior representatives from across the fish and chip sector, will appraise and score all submitted entries, the Top 3 businesses will be announced.
The entrant and one guest from the three shortlisted businesses will be invited to attend the national awards ceremony in London, where the overall winner will be announced.
If a business does not match the information written on their application form, the business will automatically be disqualified.
If on inspection, a business/shop does not match the information written on their application form, or there is evidence of AI being used, the business/shop will automatically be disqualified.
Published dates are subject to change.
If entering more than one category, where you are a finalist, a maximum of 2 tickets will be allocated irrelevant of how many categories you are finalist in.
Group B. NFFF Quality Accreditation Champion Closing date: 30th September 2025
About this category
This category is open to Quality Accreditation holders who have demonstrated how using the scheme has helped within the business/made improvements/promoted the scheme to the general public. By entering this award you are agreeing to judges looking at information provided in previous Quality Accreditation applications.
Who can enter?
This category is open to NFFF Quality Accreditation holders who have successfully renewed.
Judging
An industry judging panel, comprising senior representatives from across the fish and chip sector, will appraise and score all submitted entries, the Top 3 businesses will be announced.
The entrant and one guest from the three shortlisted businesses will be invited to attend the national awards ceremony in London, where the overall winner will be announced.
If on inspection, a business/shop does not match the information written on their application form, or there is evidence of AI being used, the business/shop will automatically be disqualified.
Published dates are subject to change.
If entering more than one category, where you are a finalist, a maximum of 2 tickets will be allocated irrelevant of how many categories you are finalist in.
Group B. Training and Development Award Closing date: 30th September 2025
About this category- If you progress there will be a zoom round on 23rd October 25
This category is to recognises businesses who are investing in their team, providing individualised training and career progression.
Who can enter?
The training and development award is open to all bona fide fish and chip businesses – independent shops or multiple groups (including those with a restaurant attached) or mobile units – in the United Kingdom (excluding businesses in the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man).
Judging
An industry judging panel, comprising senior representatives from across the fish and chip sector, will appraise and score all submitted entries, the Top 3 businesses will be announced and a Zoom interview carried out.
The entrant and one guest from the three shortlisted businesses will be invited to attend the national awards ceremony in London, where the overall winner will be announced.
If a business does not match the information written on their application form, the business will automatically be disqualified.
If on inspection, a business/shop does not match the information written on their application form, or there is evidence of AI being used, the business/shop will automatically be disqualified.
Published dates are subject to change.
If entering more than one category, where you are a finalist, a maximum of 2 tickets will be allocated irrelevant of how many categories you are finalist in.
Group B. Environmental and Sustainable Business Award – Closing date 23rd September 2025
About this category – If you progress there will be a zoom round on 13th October 25
This category is to recognise businesses that have a proven record of environmental and sustainability considerations across all areas of their business.
Who can enter?
This category is open to all bona fide fish and chip businesses – independent shops or multiple groups (including those with a restaurant attached) or mobile units – in the United Kingdom (but excluding businesses in the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man).
Judging
An industry judging panel, comprising senior representatives from across the fish and chip sector, will appraise and score all submitted entries, the Top 3 businesses will be announced and a Zoom interview carried out.
The entrant and one guest from the three shortlisted businesses will be invited to attend the national awards ceremony in London, where the overall winner will be announced.
If on inspection, a business/shop does not match the information written on their application form, or there is evidence of AI being used, the business/shop will automatically be disqualified.
Published dates are subject to change.
If entering more than one category, where you are a finalist, a maximum of 2 tickets will be allocated irrelevant of how many categories you are finalist in.
Group C. Employee of the year – Closing date: 30th September 2025
About this category- If you progress there will be a zoom round on 20th October 25
This category is to celebrate an employee from within a fish and chip business that goes above and beyond their job role to make a difference. This does not mean working unpaid out of hours, this is about how their contribution makes your business better/stand out etc. If the nominee is a finalist, they will undertake an interview, therefore nominees will need to give you their permission to enter on their behalf.
Examples could include an employee who has a passion for: Sustainability, recycling, menu innovation, working with local community projects.
Who can enter?
This award is open to all employees who currently work for you and have been under your employ for a minimum of 12 months. Open to all employees of bona fide fish and chip businesses – independent shops or multiple groups (including those with a restaurant attached) or mobile units – in the United Kingdom (but excluding businesses in the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man).
Judging –
An industry judging panel, comprising senior representatives from across the fish and chip sector, will appraise and score all submitted entries.
The Top 3 will be announced and undertake a Zoom interview.
The entrant and one guest from the three shortlisted businesses will be invited to attend the national awards ceremony in London, where the overall winner will be announced.
If on inspection, a business/shop does not match the information written on their application form, or there is evidence of AI being used, the business/shop will automatically be disqualified.
Published dates are subject to change.
If entering more than one category, where you are a finalist, a maximum of 2 tickets will be allocated irrelevant of how many categories you are finalist in.
Group C. Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year -closing date- 16th September
About this category
This category is to find the young stars of the fish and chip industry.
Who can enter?
Candidates must be over 18 years of age with a minimum 6 months frying experience but not have had their 26th birthday by the closing date of 16th September. The shop where the candidate works must have a minimum rating of 4 in the FHRS (or equivalent in other devolved countries)
You must not submit an entry for this category on behalf of a young frier.
Judging
To enter, candidates must submit either:
A short video (2–3 minutes) filmed in their shop, introducing themselves and explaining their role,
or
Two photos (one of themselves in uniform and one of their shop) along with a written overview (up to 300 words) about themselves and their role.
All entrants will also take part in a short 10-minute Zoom call on 17th or 18th September, which will include 10 simple, knowledge-based questions. Candidates must be available on these dates. These calls do not need to be taken from the shop.
Round 2 will consist of a 30-minute Zoom call taking place on 6th, 7th, or 8th October. Candidates must be available on these dates and be in their shop for the call, as this stage must be completed from the shop environment.
Group B. Menu Innovation Award Closing date: 23rd September 2025
About this category – If you progress there will be a zoom round on 21st October 25
This category is to recognise businesses that have added dishes to their menu over the last 6 months, with creativity and flair to enhance their offering of protein dishes.
Who can enter?
This category is open to all bona fide fish and chip businesses – independent shops or multiple groups (including those with a restaurant attached) or mobile units – in the United Kingdom (excluding businesses in the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man).
Judging
An industry judging panel, comprising senior representatives from across the fish and chip sector, will appraise and score all submitted entries, the Top 3 businesses will be announced and a Zoom interview carried out.
The entrant and one guest from the three shortlisted businesses will be invited to attend the national awards ceremony in London, where the overall winner will be announced.
If on inspection, a business/shop does not match the information written on their application form, or there is evidence of AI being used, the business/shop will automatically be disqualified.
Published dates are subject to change.
If entering more than one category, where you are a finalist, a maximum of 2 tickets will be allocated irrelevant of how many categories you are finalist in.
Group A. International Fish and Chip Operator of the Year. Closing date: 15th September 2025
Who can enter?
International Fish and Chip Operator of the Year is open to all fish and chip businesses outside of the United Kingdom, this can include restaurants, takeaways, and mobile units. For Businesses that are Championing Fish and Chips Overseas. Entrants for this category are unable to enter any other category.
Judging
An industry judging panel, comprising senior representatives from across the fish and chip sector, will appraise and score all submitted entries, the Top 3 businesses will be announced and a Zoom interview carried out.
The entrant and one guest from the three shortlisted businesses will be invited to attend the national awards ceremony in London, where the overall winner will be announced. No travel expenses are included.
If on inspection, a business/shop does not match the information written on their application form, or there is evidence of AI being used, the business/shop will automatically be disqualified.
Published dates are subject to change.
Group D. Outstanding Contribution to Industry Award Closing date 15th December 25 – Further details to follow
Group D. Supplier of the Year Award Closing date 15th December 25 – Details of how to nominate will be published shortly