And it could be crowned the top chippy in the country
A portion of fish and chips (file photo)(Image: Joseph Raynor/ Nottingham Post)
A Bristol fish and chip shop has been named among the UK’s best – and it is now in the running to be crowned the top chippy in the country. Neighbourhood takeaway Henbury Fryer has made it onto the shortlist for the National Fish & Chip Awards.
The awards, now in their 38th year, aim to celebrate the UK establishments serving up the finest portions of expertly battered fish and golden chips.
Henbury Fryer on Crow Lane, Henbury, is facing some tough competition in the ‘takeaway of the year’ category. Fish and chip shops from coastal hotspots, rural locations and major cities all over the country are vying to scoop the prize from current titleholder Yarm Road Fish & Chips in Darlington, County Durham.
There are 40 fish and chip shops on the shortlist, and they’ll now face “extensive assessments” focusing on a range of criteria including product quality, hygiene, environmental and operational sustainability, customer service and industry knowledge.
Andrew Crook, president of awards organisers the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), said: “We’ve received a wonderful collection of entries for Takeaway of the Year – it is the badge of honour that many in the industry strive for, and we are very excited to see new names on the list.
“This year we invited the public to encourage their favourite chippies to enter and the campaign has proved successful as the judging panel can see hidden gems emerging at this early stage.
“We’re also delighted to see others giving it another go which shows a commitment to excellence by taking on board previous feedback and coming back in a stronger position. It’s going to be an unforgettable experience for the new top 40 takeaways, and we wish them all every success for what we believe is going to be an amazing display of skill, tradition and innovation.”
Henbury Fryer is the only Bristol location to be shortlisted for the takeaway award, but fans of a chippy tea have plenty of choice in the city. When Bristol Live asked readers to rate the city’s best, a different name came out on top.
In November 2024 Marios Fish Bar in Kingswood took top spot in our public vote. In second place was Hamblins on Avonvale Road, Barton Hill with Argus Fish Bar on West Street, Bedminster third.
The next stage of the National Fish & Chip Awards will see the 40 fish and chip shops being whittled down to 20 the semi-finals, with the top ten finalists being named later in the year. The awards ceremony will take place in February in London to announce the new takeaway champion, as well as other winners across the 14 categories.