The owners and staff of a South Queensferry based fish and chip restaurant may be off to London next year to pick up their latest award.
The Crab & Lobster Fish Shack, one of Scotland’s newest fish and chip restaurants which opened in June, has made it through to the Top Three in the Newcomer Restaurant category in the National Fish & Chip Awards 2026.
Others on the list include a restaurant from Blackpool, and one from Fort Augustus.
The final will be held on 25 February 2026 at The Park Plaza, Westminster Bridge.
Established in 1988, the National Fish & Chip Awards showcase the country’s best fish and chip businesses, whether takeouts, mobile units, or full sit in restaurants.
The Newcomer of the Year Award is an opportunity for chippies which have opened since 1 January 2024 to get recognition. As the most in-depth competition of its kind in the UK, entrants of the National Fish & Chip Awards are assessed against industry benchmarks designed to stretch, inspire and improve the participating businesses. They are assessed and scored on measures including produce and industry knowledge, quality, business operations, sustainability, customer service and the end product, to mention just a few.
Initially, five newly opened restaurants were shortlisted in the “newbies” category, with a live Zoom judging session then taking place to further quiz the businesses on their fish frying techniques and industry knowledge.
“Five has now become three, and we couldn’t be prouder of what we have achieved in the short time since opening in the summer” said Jack Coghill, who runs the restaurant with other family members.
“We were quietly hopeful that we would get through to the last three, but competition is always fierce in these awards. To know that we are definitely going to London is amazing, we are beyond thrilled. This will be the first time we have attended an awards scheme just for the fish and chip industry.
“The fact there are two Scottish restaurants in this category shows just how good fish and chips are north of the Border!”
Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), and one of the event organisers, said: “Our final three fired up their fryers less than two years ago and are showing huge potential as being leaders in the pack.
“They are bringing fire to the industry, which is so important to have, and the awards process encourages entrepreneurial spirit and the evolution in how fish and chips is enjoyed by the nation while maintaining the traditional foundations. This is a superb final – well done to them!”
Andrew Marriott, UK brand and marketing manager at Frymax, one of the UK’s leading sustainable frying oil specialists and sponsor of the award, praised the startups for making great strides: “In 1954, Frymax was the newcomer to the industry and here we are over 70 years later, demonstrating that a good quality product positioned correctly can stand the test of time.
“Also, it is worth remembering that despite the setbacks of the last few years, fish and chips is, and will remain, the nation’s favourite meal. Our three finalists have recognised the opportunities available to build thriving businesses and have overcome any problems encountered. Let us hope that they all have long and successful careers, like Frymax.”
www.thecrabandlobsterfishshack.com
