Double award delight as County Durham and Darlington chippies crowned best in UK
Two County Durham and Darlington fish and chip shops have taken top honours at the National Fish & Chip Awards 2025, with Yarm Road Fish and Chips in Darlington winning Takeaway of the Year, and Bell's Fish and Chips (Framwellgate Moor) in Durham being crowned Restaurant of the Year.
The prestigious awards, organised by the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), celebrate excellence in the industry across various categories, including quality, sustainability, customer service, and innovation.
Yarm Road Fish and Chips - Takeaway of the Year (Image: NATIONAL FISH AND CHIP AWARDS) Both winners emerged victorious after a rigorous judging process involving interviews, mystery taste tests, and business assessments.
Yarm Road Fish and Chips in Darlington claimed the top spot in the Takeaway of the Year category, beating stiff competition from The Fish Works in Largs, Scotland, and Kellaway's Fish and Chips in Truro, Cornwall.
Will Burrell, director-manager of Yarm Road Fish and Chips, expressed his excitement: 'Well, we can't quite believe it! To be mentioned alongside these fantastic finalists is an honour, but to win is beyond our wildest dreams.'
Bell's Fish and Chips - Restaurant of the Year (Image: NATIONAL FISH AND CHIP AWARDS) 'Our biggest thanks go to our amazing team who have worked tirelessly to perfect our craft. And, of course, we are incredibly grateful to our wonderful customers who have supported us throughout the years.'
Since opening eight years ago, Yarm Road Fish and Chips has become a beloved local institution, known for its high-quality food and friendly service.
In the Restaurant of the Year category, Bell's Fish and Chips (Framwellgate Moor) in Durham took the title, surpassing Malt and Anchor in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, and Trenchers Spanish City in Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear.
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Graham Kennedy, Managing Director of Bell's Fish and Chips, expressed his pride in the achievement: 'We are delighted to be recognised as Restaurant of the Year at the National Fish & Chip Awards 2025. This is the result of 38 years of hard work in our amazing industry.'
'We invest in the best, from staff training to quality produce, and our team gives it their all every day to ensure the best possible experience for our customers.'
Andrew Crook, President of the NFFF, praised both winners for setting new benchmarks in the industry: 'Both Yarm Road Fish and Chips and Bell's Fish and Chips have demonstrated outstanding commitment to quality and customer service. Their success is a testament to their dedication, and they are shining examples of excellence in the fish and chip sector.'
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