The National Fish and Chip Awards 2026 spotlighted the finest establishments in the fish and chip trade, crowning champions in both the Restaurant and Takeaway of the Year categories.

Claiming victory in both divisions were two Yorkshire-based venues, alongside their runners-up, cementing the county's reputation as the authentic birthplace of fish and chips.

For those fortunate enough to have sampled a chippy from Yorkshire, it comes as little shock it boasts the nation's finest offerings.

With coastal destinations such as Scarborough and Whitby leading the sector, serving thousands of portions each day, remarkably some of the finest establishments are those tucked away further inland across the county, where travellers pause on their journeys.

One such gem is The Scrap Box in York, crowned 2026 Takeaway of the Year champion. The enterprise was established by two local brothers with ambitions of creating a chippy that caters to all the villages scattered between York and Pocklington, whilst serving those travelling towards the coastline.

At Trunk Road Services on Hull Road in Dunnington, the takeaway delivers precisely that. The two siblings operating the establishment, Aman and Gavin Dhesi, discovered the site - formerly a rather unglamorous toilet facility adjacent to a lay-by - and visualised something extraordinary for their venture.

The roadside takeaway has accumulated over 200 'excellent' TripAdvisor ratings, with countless patrons singing its praises.

One person wrote: "I'm always wary of places that say 'award-winning' and never say what award they won!" Yet at this establishment, the accolades are prominently displayed for all to see.

Following their Takeaway of the Year triumph, Gavin said: "There are so many outstanding fish and chip shops across the UK and countless awards, but this is the one every chippy dreams of, the 'Oscars' of our industry!".

"With the most rigorous judging and the highest calibre of past winners, it's a true honour to be recognised at this level. To represent the very best of fish and chips for the year ahead is both humbling and hugely meaningful to our team and a testament to the craft, care, and consistency we put into every portion of fish and chips."

The Restaurant of the Year champion at the 2026 National Fish and Chip Awards was a beloved Whitby venue, known as the Trenchers of Whitby. Situated a short stroll from the tourist hotspot of Whitby Beach, the restaurant has carved out its place at the centre of the coastal town, naturally attracting visitors throughout the year.

Whilst the prime position undoubtedly assists, they secured the coveted top ranking through their self-described "traditional method of beef dripping", enabling them to deliver the "best possible product".

It's these deliberate approaches to preparing their mouthwatering fare which have enabled the establishment to distinguish itself from rivals. Their sought-after menu features include seafood salads, crab, lobster, fresh fish accompanied by homemade pies and lasagnes, Whitby scampi, and numerous vegetarian choices.

One delighted visitor claimed the "gravy is out of this world". They wrote: "We travelled to Whitby for a weekend away. We popped into Trenchers Friday night, we were seated in a booth, and the drinks arrived promptly once ordered... The butcher's gravy was absolutely delicious, and we would return just for the gravy."

The Yorkshire chip shops aren't alone in their achievements, outperforming other venues within their respective regions. Shaw's Fish and Chips of Dodworth, situated in Barnsley, Yorkshire, claimed second place in the Takeaways category, making it the second-finest fish and chip takeaway in the UK.

Additionally, the National Fish and Chip Awards 2026 recognised Whitby's Restaurant and Take Away in Rotherham, Yorkshire, as the third-best restaurant of the year.

Further cementing Yorkshire's reputation as the go-to destination for fish and chips, the esteemed Fry Awards unveiled their definitive list of the UK's top chippies in January this year. A staggering number of these top 50 establishments were located in the county, with Trenchers of Whitby earning another commendable mention within the top 10 restaurants.

The complete list of Yorkshire fish and chip shops recognised in the Fry Awards:

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