Lincolnshire Chippies Make National Fish and Chip Awards Shortlist

Two Lincolnshire-based fish and chip shops have been recognized among the United Kingdom’s top contenders in the race for the prestigious Takeaway of the Year award. Elite on the Bail, located in Lincoln, and Linfords Traditional Fish and Chips, situated in Market Deeping, have both secured a place on the shortlist of 40 candidates for the National Fish & Chip Awards 2025. This list includes entrants spanning from the Scottish Highlands to Cornwall, all judged by a panel of fish and chip experts.

This recognition comes at a time when both establishments enjoy glowing reviews online. A patron of Elite on the Bail expressed strong approval, saying, “This one isn’t the nearest to my home, but I always make the extra effort to get to the Elite on the Bail for the sheer quality. They’re not just the best in the neighborhood, or the city, they’re the best in the region.” Similarly, a Linfords customer shared, “I can honestly say that the food I have just eaten is the best fish and chips I have ever had.”

The competition will further narrow down the list of candidates to 20, and eventually to a final 10. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony scheduled to take place on February 26, at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in London. The current titleholder is Ship Deck from Caerphilly. The event is organized by the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF).

Andrew Crook, the President of the NFFF, highlighted the complexities involved in the competition, stating, “Fish and chips is such an iconic British staple and it takes huge amounts of skill and hard work to not only perfect the dish and other menu offerings but to also overcome challenges and sustain the business while keeping employees motivated and fulfilled. There’s a lot to it and each awards season we see greater depths of talent, expertise and business acumen.”

The shortlisted establishments must undertake a series of challenges, tasks, and interviews that assess various criteria, such as industry awareness, product knowledge, environmental and sustainability best practices, employer responsibilities, and customer service. Elite on the Bail expressed pride in their achievement, stating, “We are incredibly proud to have reached this stage, and we are incredibly proud of our team for their continuous hard work and dedication. Fingers crossed for the next stage.” Linfords echoed this sentiment, declaring, “This recognition means the world to us, and it’s all thanks to you — our amazing customers and our dedicated team who work hard every day to deliver the best fish and chips in town.”