A Darlington-based fish and chip shop will battle it out to be the UK’s best next year after it was shortlisted as one of the best ten venues.

Yarm Road Fish and Chips, which has become a familiar and popular choice for locals, will find out if it has landed the title of Takeaway of the Year 2024 next year after it found itself in the shortlisted top ten in the National Fish and Chip Awards.

The Darlington chippy went through rigorous judging stages, including examination of industry knowledge, eco credentials, employer responsibilities and more, saw the original shortlist of 40 contenders become 20 and now, it’s gearing up for mystery visits alongside nine other UK chippies - the final factor in determining which will be crowned chip shop champion.

The Northern Echo: Yarm Road Fish and ChipsYarm Road Fish and Chips (Image: FISH AND CHIP AWARDS)

The purpose of the rigorous evaluation stages is to encourage chippies to raise their standards and surpass their own expectations of how successful their businesses can be.

Here are all the fish and chip shops shortlisted from the UK:

  • Yarm Road Fish and Chips, Darlington
  • The Fish Works, Largs
  • Lighthouse Fisheries of Flamborough, Bridlington
  • Mister C’s, Selby
  • The Fish Bank, Sherburn-in-Elmet
  • Auckley Friery, Doncaster
  • Marina Fish & Chips, Skegness
  • Finney’s Fish and Chips, Benllech
  • Ship Deck, Caerphilly
  • Zero Plus Fish & Chips, Cardiff

Awards organiser and National Federation of Fish Friers President Andrew Crook, said: “To be awarded Takeaway of the Year status by the fish and chip industry is something that many a chip shop business wants to attain. It’s not an easy thing to accomplish and we’re incredibly happy for, and proud of, these 10 brilliant finalists who are edging nearer to what will be a truly amazing outcome for one of them.”

Seafood from Norway is the principal sponsor for the awards, with Victoria Braathen, UK Director of the Norwegian Seafood Council, adding: “There’s some serious talent in this finalists’ line up for the Takeaway of the Year.

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“We’re honoured to be supporting these awards which highlight the fantastic work that goes on behind the scenes to put great fish and chips on people’s tables across Britain.

“From responsible sourcing, right through to cooking techniques that have been perfected over generations – every element of the process is so important for producing the UK’s favourite dish. We wish all of the finalists the best of luck.”

The 10 chippies will now be invited to the awards ceremony on February 28, 2024, at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in London, where the winner will be announced.