The 2024 categories for the National Fish and Chip Awards have been revealed, with 10 businesses selected as finalists for the Field to Frier accolade.
Fish and chip establishments nationwide have been acknowledged for their exceptional expertise in potatoes and the meticulous preparation required for top-tier chip quality. An expert panel of judges deliberated and curated the entries, leading to the top 10 contenders.
The Field to Frier category is backed by Isle of Ely Produce, a supplier of over two million bags of potatoes to the fish and chip industry annually. This year, they’re joined by the Agrico variety Babylon as an award partner. Babylon, a relatively recent variety, has undergone successful trials in UK fish and chip shops over the last two years.
Representing Yorkshire in the Field to Frier award competition is The Fish Bank in Sherburn-in-Elmet. The chippy has been nominated for the National Fish & Chips Awards last year and was shortlisted, so it shows the quality of this local takeaway. Golden, crispy batter. Thick mushy peas. Chunky chips. Nothing beats a proper chippy. Which is exactly what this chippy in Sherburn has to offer.
The other nine nominees are: The Fish Works in Largs, Scotland; Bells Fish and Chips in Durham; Pantrini’s in Tyne and Wear; Fiddlers Elbow Fish and Chips in Herefordshire; Finney’s Fish and Chips in Wales; Henley’s of Wivenhoe in Essex; Newington Fish Bar in Kent; and Pier Point in Devon.
Further rounds of judging will soon commence to narrow the selection down to five and then to the final three businesses. The ultimate category winner will be unveiled at the awards ceremony on February 28, 2023, hosted at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in London.
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“The amount of skill it takes to get the perfect balance of textures, uniform colour and moreish flavour shouldn’t be underestimated. The Field to Frier award is a fantastic opportunity for us to congratulate businesses for being at the top of their game.
“Many of the applications came in following the annual Isle of Ely Open Day where attendees learn so much about how to choose, store and fry potatoes so we’re thrilled to see so many shortlisted from across the country.”
Sales manager for Agrico, Alex Moore, said: “We have been working with Isle of Ely and Chippy Chat to champion best practice in regard to new varieties. Babylon is one variety which has already tested well in chippies across the UK.
“We are thrilled to be a co-sponsor of the Field to Frier Award at the 2024 National Fish and Chip Awards and wish the 10 listed shops the best of luck. We also look forward to working with the shops and sending them some Babylon to trial.”
Isle of Ely director, Oliver Boutwood, said: “This award is crucial for us to help educate shops on the basics of how to get the most from their potato supplies.
“Knowing about which varieties suit them best (this changes by geographic area), how to store and treat the potatoes and also making the best chips from what is available at any given time will help us all to serve great chips every time.”
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