An employee at a County Durham fish and chip shop has been shortlisted for Employee of the Year at the National Fish and Chips Awards.

Donna Whitfield from Bells Fish and Chips in Durham has made the top 10 list in the new category launching in 2024.

Over the last few months, the fish and chip industry has been proposing which colleagues and peers deserve to be recognised for their standout contributions to the businesses they work for.

Of the many applicants, 10 will continue the judging process having caught the attention of the fish and chip expert panel, who inspected the nominees’ industry knowledge, work ethic, customer service skills and more.

The award provides an opportunity to champion small businesses in local communities.

Employers’ investment into skills development is a key ingredient for helping team members serve up the best experience for fish and chip diners, as well as furthering their personal career progression in the industry.

You can see the full shortlist for Employee of the Year here.

Bells Fish and Chips praised for 'heavenly' food on Tripadvisor

On Tripadvisor, Bells Fish and Chips has a current rating of 4.5/5 out of 1,266 reviews.

One recent visitor said: “Excellent. Cod & chips x4 plus additions. Prompt friendly service. Generous portions. Fresh fish in tasty, crisp batter. Great value. Lovely window seat with view over Market Place.”

@emily_grace_18_ Bells fish & chips 🐟#durham #countydurham #fishandchips #food #foodtok #foodie ♬ Change My Ways - Marc E. Bassy

Another added: “Just awesome. Lovely menu selection for different fish choices. Perfect light crunchy batter, fresh large cod, perfect proper fish shop chips. Hot and freshly cooked with bread and butter. Heaven.”

Recommended reading:

President of the National Federation of Fish Friers Andrew Crook, and awards organiser says: “The greatest asset any chip shop, or business, could ever have is its people and we have received a fantastic amount of nominations for individuals who are setting the bar sky high and blazing a fantastic trail for others.

“It’s so exciting for us to see how passionate these professionals are for the industry and how much their careers mean to them, as well as the customers they serve.”

Nominees will face the judges for one last time, with four to make it through to the finals, with the victor to be announced at the awards ceremony on February 28, 2024, at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London.