Meet the 8 Young Finalists Set to Transform the UK Fish Frying Scene
Posted by Emma on 29th Oct 2024
The Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year competition, a highlight of the National Fish & Chip Awards, has announced its final eight semi-finalists, showcasing the UK’s most promising young talent in the fish and chip industry. Each finalist, aged 18 to 25 with a minimum of six months’ frying experience, has demonstrated significant knowledge and skill in the demanding art of fish frying, bringing them one step closer to the highly esteemed title.
The shortlist was initially narrowed to 12 young fryers, carefully selected by the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), the event’s organiser. Through rigorous rounds assessing theoretical knowledge and practical skills, the competition has identified the eight semi-finalists who will advance to the next level: a comprehensive, on-site evaluation of their frying proficiency and shop management skills.
These young competitors are:
| Abigail Barker | Millers Fish & Chips | Haxby, Yorkshire |
| Kieran Bulpit | Linfords Traditional Fish & Chips | Market Deeping, Lincolnshire |
| James Ellams | Fish & Chips @ Weston Grove | Chester, Cheshire |
| Sebastian Harding Crook | Squires | Braunton, Devon |
| Charlie James | Pier Point Fish & Chips | Torquay, Devon |
| Scott Kendrew | Millers Fish & Chips | Haxby, Yorkshire |
| Charlie Knox | The Carron | Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire |
| Glen Morrison | Garioch Fish Bar | Inverurie, Aberdeenshire |
The semi-finalists now await a detailed shop visit by the competition’s judges, who will assess them over several hours. This challenging round evaluates frying skills and their ability to deliver consistent quality and excellent customer service under pressure. The 2025 title will pass from current holder Jamie Russo of Redcloak Fish Bar in Stonehaven, Scotland, to the eventual victor.
Known for its rigorous standards, the National Fish & Chip Awards is widely regarded as the UK’s most challenging fish frying competition, aiming to elevate skills and encourage excellence in the hospitality sector. Kelvin Lee, Managing Director of award sponsor Drywite Ltd, expressed his excitement at the return of the Young Fish Frier of the Year award. “We are thrilled to continue supporting this competition,” Lee said. “The calibre of talent we see each year is remarkable, and these semi-finalists show real potential to lead the industry forward. It will be an honour to present this year’s winner with the Malcolm Lee Trophy at the awards ceremony in London.”
Andrew Crook, President of the NFFF, emphasised the importance of mastering fish frying, a skill requiring precision and practice. “Seeing young individuals in the early stages of their careers already reaching such high standards is encouraging,” Crook noted. “These semi-finalists have demonstrated resilience and professionalism throughout each round, showing the makings of future leaders in the fish and chip industry.”