The Fish Bank, Sherburn-in-Elmet: Yorkshire fish and chip shop named among the top 40 in UK

The top 40 fish and chip shops have been announced - and the Yorkshire-based The Fish Bank is one of them.

The top 40 fish and chip shop contenders for the prized Takeaway of the Year category have been officially announced by the National Fish and Chip Awards with Seafood from Norway as the sponsor.

Selected from entries across the country, the businesses in the list have impressed judges with their food quality, customer service, industry expertise and commitment to sustainable practices.

These takeaways move one step closer to claiming the top prize in the fish and chip industry, as the search for the nation’s best chippy gathers pace.

The awards are approaching their 39th year and continue to celebrate industry standards and this year there are 14 categories for national and international businesses to enter, includes the Restaurant of the Year, Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year, Newcomer of the Year, Field to Frier, Mobile Operator of the Year, Environmental and Sustainable Business, and Takeaway of the Year.

President of the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), Andrew Crook, said: “As we celebrate the 39th year of the National Fish & Chip Awards, it's brilliant to see talent, passion, excellent professionalism and dedication to their craft on display.

“Every year, the Takeaway of the Year standard continues to rise and this new list of top 40 contenders exemplifies that.

“It’s the people behind these businesses that make our industry what it is. We are proud to celebrate the owners, teams and young talent whose passion and hard work keep this much-loved tradition thriving.

“Recognition like this is about far more than trophies – it's about acknowledging the individuals who go above and beyond for their customers and communities every single day.”

The Yorkshire chippy that has been listed in the top 40 is The Fish Bank in Sherburn-in-Elmet, which has been running for more than 40 years.

It is located within a former NatWest bank.

Andrew said: “This year we are particularly keen to shine a light on the opportunities our industry offers, from developing lifelong skills to fulfilling dreams of running a successful business.

“It's a sector that rewards hard work and creates genuine career satisfaction for professionals from all walks of life.

“We're proud to champion the next generation of talent as they build on the achievements of those who have come before them and help shape the future of fish and chips.

“Good luck to everyone who makes it through to the next stage, and we can’t wait to see the results next February at the awards.”

The hopefuls will undergo a comprehensive evaluation covering product quality, hygiene, environmental and operational sustainability, customer service, and industry knowledge etc.

Entry is free, and all participants receive tailored feedback recognising their strengths and identifying opportunities for improvement.

Co-owner of The Scrap Box in York, Aman Dhesi, which is the current Takeaway of the Year recipient, said: “More than six months on from winning, we’re still seeing the impact of the award.

“It gave the business a huge boost, as did reaching the top 10 the year before but probably the biggest thing has been the opportunities it’s opened up for us outside the shop, from media and travel to meeting people across the industry and getting involved in some really exciting projects.

“For those in the top 40, I’d say enjoy the process and make the most of it. The awards journey really makes you look closely at your own business - what you do well, what makes you different and where you can still improve.

“We learned a huge amount through the process before we ever won. And don’t try to second-guess what the judges want. Be proud of what makes your shop yours and tell that story.”