**You can enter 1 category from Group A, up to a maximum of 2 categories in Group B, and up to the 2 categories in Group C. This is assuming criteria is met in each category.**
If you have more than one shop, you can only enter one of those shops into the National Fish and Chip Awards
Group A – Fish and Chip Newcomer of the year. Closing date Monday 9th September 2024.
About this category
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 (but excluding shops in the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man).
To qualify for entry businesses must have started after the 1st of January 2023
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.
This judging stage score will be added to previous judging stages and will determine the overall winner.
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 on inspection, a business/shop does not match the information written on their application form, the business/shop will automatically be disqualified.
Group A – International Fish and Chip Operator of the Year. Closing date Monday 9th September.
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.
Judging
An industry judging panel, comprising senior representatives from across the fish and chip sector, will appraise and score all submitted entries to arrive at a Top 3. 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 on inspection, a business/shop does not match the information written on their application form, the business/shop will automatically be disqualified.
Group A – Fish and Chip Takeaway of the year. Closing date 24th September 2024
About this category
This category is to find the fish and chip takeaway that operates to the highest standards and produces fish and chips of the best quality.
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 (but excluding businesses in the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man).
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
Judging
The first round of judging will be based on your answers and photographic evidence submitted on this entry.
A shortlist of 40 entries will be reviewed by a panel of judges to decide the top 20 who will then be asked to take part in a zoom interview. The final 10 will the receive a mystery visit and taste test on an unannounced date.
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, the business/shop will automatically be disqualified.
Group. A – Fish and Chip Restaurant of the Year – Closing date 24th September 2024
About this category
This category is to find the fish and chip restaurant that operates to the highest 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 (but 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 must have a minimum of 40 covers and offer table service where food is not served in takeaway boxes.
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
Judging
The first round of judging will be based on your answers and photographic evidence submitted on this entry.
The second round of judging will consist of a zoom interview. The final 5 will the receive a mystery visit and taste test on an unannounced date.
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.
Group A. Fish and Chip Mobile Operator of the Year. Closing date 7th October 2024
About this category
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 units in the United Kingdom (but excluding businesses in the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man).
Mobile units must be equipped with fryers and fish and chips must be the focus of the business.
The number of units you operate is not taken into consideration.
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
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 after which the final 3 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.
Group B – Field to frier Award. Closing date 7th October 2024
About this category
This award gives businesses the opportunity to be recognised for their excellence in potato knowledge, care, 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 5 will then be asked to take part in a zoom interview in your premises after which the final 3 will be decided.
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 a business/shop does not match the information written on their application form, the business/shop will automatically be disqualified.
Group B. Community Engagement Award- Closing date 21st October 2024
About this category
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 (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.
Digital Marketing Award closing date – 21st October
About this category
This category is open to businesses that are engaging new and existing custom through a variety of consistent social media approaches/campaigns/activity/innovative approach.
Who can enter?
The digital Marketing 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.
NFFF Quality Accreditation Champion closing date- 21st October
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.
Who can enter?
This category is open to all holders of the NFFF Quality Accreditation
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.
Training and Development Award closing date – 21st October
About this category
This category is to recognises businesses who are investing in individuals providing career progression, training, and looking at team retention.
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 (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.
Environmental and Sustainable Business Award – closing date- 25th November –
About this category
This category is to recognise businesses that consider the environment and sustainability 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.
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.
Employee of the year – closing date- 30th September
About this category
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.
Who can enter?
This award is 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 4 will be announced and the Employees will be visited by an independent representative, which may involve a video interview on a prearranged time and day.
The entrant and one guest from the 4 shortlisted businesses will be invited to attend the national awards ceremony in London, where the overall winner will be announced.
Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year -closing date- 17th 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 17th September. The shop where the candidate works must have a minimum rating of 4 in the FHRS (or equivalent in other devolved countries)
Judging
This category consists of 3 rounds, entry form and short video, Zoom round at your place of work and an announced visit to your place of work. All judging is overseen by Drywite and their representatives.