National Fish & Chip Awards Unveils New Community Engagement Category to Celebrate Local Heroes

The National Fish & Chip Awards, a prestigious ceremony that has long celebrated the best fish and chip businesses across the UK, is set to shine a light on a new category this year – the Community Engagement Award. This addition to the awards’ line-up seeks to acknowledge the invaluable contributions made by fish and chip shops that go beyond serving meals to become pillars of their local communities.

The aim of the Community Engagement Award is clear: to highlight the often-overlooked role these local businesses play in the social fabric of towns and cities up and down the country. From fundraising efforts to grassroots initiatives, fish and chip shops are increasingly recognised as hubs that unite people, support local causes, and provide spaces where communities can thrive. The three finalists, each representing different parts of the UK, have demonstrated remarkable commitment to positively impacting their respective areas.

The finalists for the inaugural Community Engagement Award include:

Pier Point, Torquay (Devon)

This Devon-based business has dedicated itself to supporting Rowcroft Hospice, a deeply embedded charity in the local community. Through creative fundraising efforts, including ‘Invisible Chips’ on the menu, hosting a ‘Ladies’ Night’, sponsoring a local artist-designed tea towel, and even organising a 15,000ft skydive, Pier Point has raised an impressive £6,400 for the hospice. The shop also demonstrated its support by delivering complimentary fish and chips to the hospice staff and patients on National Fish & Chip Day.

Brockley’s Rock, Brockley (London)

Brockley’s Rock has initiated severalseveral transformative projects to improve the local environment and community wellbeing. By partnering with neighbouring businesses, the chippy played a pivotal role in resurfacing a service road behind its premises, turning a previously neglected area into a cleaner, safer space for the local community. Beyond this, Brockley’s Rock sponsors creative arts, culture events, and other community initiatives, further enhancing its role as a community cornerstone.

Zero Plus, Cardiff (Wales)

Zero Plus has made its mark through educational workshops aimed at schoolchildren, where the shop teaches vital environmental values, responsible consumption, and sustainable business practices. These workshops have raised awareness of eco-consciousness among young people and fostered a sense of community responsibility. The business has also been actively installing a disability ramp, participating in local events like Easter egg hunts, and engaging in litter picking and other initiatives.

Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), spoke passionately about the role fish and chip shops play in their communities. “Fish and chip shops are much more than just places to enjoy a great meal – they are necessary, trusted hubs deeply embedded in the everyday lives within local communities,” he said. “We’re excited to introduce the Community Engagement Award to recognise these businesses' dedication to supporting their neighbourhoods. From fundraisers to sponsorships, they are truly at the heart of what makes our communities thrive.”

The award, sponsored by JFK, a leading fish producer with over a century of experience in the Faroe Islands, will see the winner announced at a ceremony in London on February 26. JFK’s sales and operations director, Jógvan Hansen, expressed excitement about the new category, stating, “We are thrilled to support the National Fish & Chip Awards in 2025, especially the Community Engagement Award. We look forward to seeing how the winning business goes above and beyond to make a difference in the community, and we hope to explore synergies that can help expand these efforts further.”

With the announcement of this new category, it’s clear that the National Fish & Chip Awards is not only about recognising exceptional fish and chip shops but also about celebrating those businesses that are making a real difference in their communities, showing that the impact of fish and chips goes far beyond the plate.