The UK’s top three quality fish and chip shops have been revealed today (Tuesday 14 November) as part of the 30th anniversary National Fish & Chip Awards, organised by Seafish.

Download the full press release (PDF) Download the full shortlist (PDF)

Shortlisted as finalists for the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF) Quality Award ‘Champion’ Award – one of 15 categories in the 2018 National Fish & Chip Awards – the three businesses (in alphabetical order) that will now compete for the top title in this award category are:

Penaluna^s Famous Fish & Chips, Hirwaun, Rhondda Cynon Taf The Dolphin Takeaway, Dungannon, County Tyrone Towngate Fisheries, Idle, Bradford, West Yorkshire

Now in its sixth year, the NFFF Quality Award ‘Champion’ Award was created as an extension to the National Federation of Fish Friers quality accreditation scheme – a rigorous industry benchmark. Only businesses already holding a NFFF Quality Award can enter this category which crowns the ultimate ‘champion’ of this prestigious accreditation programme.

To reach this stage of the competition, the three finalists have been assessed against the NFFF’s quality benchmark which includes assessment of the overall quality of premises, working practices, key ingredients, cooked products, hygiene standards and staff training. Most importantly it also looks at how these businesses promote the importance and benefits of this quality mark to their customers.

The overall national winner will be announced at the 30th anniversary awards ceremony to be held in January 2018.

Marcus Coleman, Chief Executive at Seafish, said: "This award is at the heart of the wider awards program; recognising and celebrating businesses that go above and beyond to provide the highest quality fish and chips in an environment of equally high standards.

"As well as delivering a superior product and service, the finalists have demonstrated excellence in all aspects of running their respective businesses. Our top three really have set fantastic standards for other Quality Award holders, and the wider fish and chip industry to aspire to. Congratulations to them all.”

Award sponsor Craig Maw, Vice President at The National Federation of Fish Friers, added: "Launched in 2011, the NFFF Fish & Chip Quality Award is offered to the industry to improve operating standards and showcase best practice to UK wide consumers. The NFFF Quality Award also now works in conjunction with the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Primary Authority as part of the appraisal and accreditation process for the award.

"Incorporating our award into The National Fish & Chip Awards provides NFFF Quality Award-accredited shops the chance to compete to become the top champion within the NFFF Quality Award ‘Champion’ Award category.

"The standard of entries received this year was once again very high and the judges were impressed by the level of dedication that shops display towards promoting the NFFF Fish & Chip Quality Award. Each of the finalists has effectively demonstrated the way in which the award has positively impacted on both staff motivation and financial turnover.”

The winner of the NFFF Quality Award ‘Champion’ Award will be announced at The National Fish & Chip Awards’ 30th anniversary ceremony in London on 25 January 2018.

For more information follow@FishnChipAwards #FishnChipAwards on Twitter.