​Top 10 Shortlist for the Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year Award

Following a three-year interlude, the prestigious Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year category is poised for a triumphant comeback at the 2024 National Fish and Chip Awards.

In the wake of numerous applications, industry leaders from the fish and chip sector have shortlisted ten exemplary young friers from across the UK, each vying for the coveted title. These promising candidates are all under 25 and possess at least six months of independent frying experience.

The forthcoming judging phase will involve a virtual interview wherein contenders will fry fish and chips live for the panel. As their final product and knowledge are evaluated, they will tackle predetermined, skill-oriented questions. Only the finest six will advance to the subsequent round, entailing visits to their respective establishments for a comprehensive assessment of their professional duties, culminating in selecting the final three.

The award's resurgence is a response to the pause necessitated by the pandemic on the traditional in-person judging. It also accommodates the time needed for industry newcomers to refine their skills.

Kelvin Lee, Managing Director of Drywite Ltd and the award's sponsor stated, "Although this has been a long time coming, I am very pleased that we have now been able to re-instate the Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year Award. The calibre of young talent emerging within the industry is astounding, and the candidates have shown immense potential to propel their careers in fish and chips forward. It will be a pleasure to present the Malcolm Lee Trophy to the winner and for Drywite Ltd to be part of their journey."

Andrew Crook, President of the National Federation of Fish Friers and awards organiser, remarked: "This accolade is consistently a judge's highlight. The expertise and comprehension these young professionals demonstrate are indicative of the industry's prosperous future. It's an honour to nurture and support the development of young fish friers from the outset of their careers and witness their progression."

Chief Judge Mark Drummond added, "Congratulations to all entrants, particularly to the ten who have progressed—this year's submissions were of an exceptionally high standard."

The ten young fish friers hail from:

• Glen Marshall Morrison - Garioch Fish Bar, Inverurie
  
• Jamie Russo - Redcloak Fish Bar, Stonehaven
  
• Imogen Atkinson - Real Food Café, Tyndrum
  
• Lewis Newton - Sandgate Chippie, Penrith
  
• Kieran Bulpit - Linfords Traditional Fish and Chips, Market Deeping
  
• James Ellams - Fish and Chips @ Weston Grove, Chester
  
• Imogen Jones - Jojo's Fish and Chips, Stafford
  
• Taylor Webster - Fish Kitchen 1854, Maesycwmmer
  
• Georgia Lye - Seafare Fish and Chips, Guildford
  
• Charlie James - Pier Point Bar & Restaurant, Torquay
  

The announcement of the Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year will take place at the awards night on the 28th of February 2024 at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in London.