Why more Fish & Chip Awards might be a good thing

I’ve just returned from my third visit to the Scottish Fish and Chip Awards Gala in Glasgow. Now in its third year, this event could easily be dismissed by the uninitiated as “still in its infancy” or by sceptics as a “flash in the pan.” But it’s neither — quite the opposite, in fact.

It has a completely different energy to the National Fish and Chip Awards held in London each year. That event — the Official Fish and Chip Awards — has earned its prestige. Nearly half a century old, it boasted rigorous judging process, Government roots through Seafish, and a legacy of creating legends. I was lucky enough to be one of those winners, which probably qualifies me to have an opinion — one you may or may not agree with.

And let’s not forget the Fry Top 50 — another well-established, privately run awards programme that’s earned strong support for the way it celebrates and promotes great operators to the public. It plays an important role in giving credit where it’s due, helping raise awareness of great fish and chip shops in every corner of the UK.

A New Challenger: The English Fish and Chip Awards

At this year’s Scottish gala, organisers announced they’ll be launching an English Fish and Chip Awards in 2026, hosted in Manchester. They even teased a “grand finale” between England and Scotland to crown an ultimate champion — an idea that went down brilliantly with the 500+ guests in attendance.

I’ve met Warren Paul, the man behind the Scottish Awards, several times. He’s a likeable, driven individual with a clear vision. He’s also joining me soon on The Ceres Podcast to talk about his motivations and expansion plans — but for now, I want to explore how his approach differs from the established awards, and what it might mean for the industry.

The Debate: One Industry, Multiple Stages

Here are a few questions worth thinking about:

1. Is there room for another awards scheme?
2. Does it take anything away from the original competition?
3. Would you be more likely to enter the new awards over the established one?

Inclusivity vs. Prestige

I’ve long been a fan of the National Awards — I’ve won them, judged them, and supported them. But the Scottish Awards have grown on me in a big way. At first, I wasn’t convinced. I thought the approach diluted the prestige of the official awards. But now I see it differently.

The Scottish event is inclusive and energetic. It hands out around 30 different awards, meaning almost 100 certificates travel back into local communities — a marketing ripple that boosts pride and visibility across the country. The room in Glasgow was packed with fish friers, families, and staff — not just corporate sponsors. It felt accessible, celebratory, and real.

In many ways, Warren’s event has achieved something the official awards can’t easily replicate — it’s re-engaged everyday shop owners by making recognition more accessible and personal. It allows hardworking operators to become champions in their own postcodes — a title that carries huge local pride and often greater day-to-day value than national prestige.

Final Thoughts

The Manchester awards won’t take anything away from the London event. If anything, they’ll give even more back to the industry — by inspiring participation from shops that have never felt part of the conversation.

There will only be one national winner, and that will remain in London as long as the official competition continues — but why not celebrate fish and chips by celebrating more shops in more communities? It’s what defines our industry anyway.

Warren doesn’t claim to have the toughest judging process. What he does have is a sense of occasion, a knack for building community, and a party atmosphere the industry could use right now.