12 Finalists Announced for the 2025 Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year Competition
Posted by Emma on 1st Oct 2024
Twelve young professionals from across the UK have been shortlisted for the prestigious Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year Award, part of the highly regarded National Fish & Chip Awards 2025.
The shortlisted candidates, all aged 25 or under and boasting at least six months of frying experience, represent the future of the fish and chip industry. They have been recognised for consistently cooking fish and chips to a high standard, demonstrating a deep understanding of the process and skills required in this competitive field.
The next stage of the competition will see these young friers take on a live frying task via video call, where they will be judged by industry experts on critical skills such as fish and batter preparation, oil temperature control, and frying technique. Those who excel will move on to a final assessment, which involves an in-depth judging visit to their workplace.
The National Fish & Chip Awards is the largest event of its kind in the sector, and it continues to play a pivotal role in raising the bar for the industry. By offering expert feedback, the awards provide individuals and businesses with the guidance needed for sustained success.
The finalists hoping to claim the coveted title are:
| Name | Business | Location |
| Abigail Barker | Millers Fish & Chips | Haxby, Yorkshire |
| Kieran Bulpit | Linford's Traditional Fish & Chips | Market Deeping, Lincolnshire |
| Courtney Clifford | St Annes Fish Restaurant |
St Annes-on-the-Sea, Lancashire |
| James Ellams | Fish & Chips @ Weston Grove | Chester, Cheshire |
| Sebastian Harding Crook | Squires in Braunton | Braunton, Devon |
| Charlie James | Pier Point Fish & Chips | Torquay, Devon |
| Charlotte Jones | Finneys Amlwch | Anglesey, Wales |
| Scott Kendrew | Millers Fish & Chips | Haxby, Yorkshire |
| Charlie Knox | The Carron | Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire |
| Georgia Lye | Seafare | Guildford, Surrey |
| Sebastian Miller | Linford's Traditional Fish & Chips | Market Deeping, Lincolnshire |
| Glen Morrison | Garioch Fish Bar | Inverurie, Aberdeenshire |
Kelvin Lee, Managing Director of Drywite Ltd, expressed his enthusiasm for this year’s competition, stating, “We are delighted to see such talented young people entering the industry. Each of the finalists has the potential to excel and lead the future of fish and chips. The Drywite Young Fish Frier Award, founded in memory of my father Malcolm Lee, continues to encourage and nurture young talent, and we are excited to present this year’s winner with the Malcolm Lee Trophy.”
Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF) and organiser of the awards, also praised the finalists, saying, “This competition is vital for the industry as it helps develop the next generation of leaders. We’re excited to see how these young friers rise to the challenge of the live frying task and showcase their skills.”
The National Fish & Chip Awards 2025 will take place on 26 February at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in London, celebrating the very best in the industry. Tickets for the event are available now.