Full list of the UK’s best fish and chip shops unveiled — with two in London

Whether enjoyed with a side of mushy peas, tartare or even curry sauce, there’s no doubting that we Brits love our fish and chips.

Each year, the National Fish and Chip Awards celebrate the very best chippies across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and the event is regarded as the ‘most prestigious’ of its kind in the UK.

Due to take place in February 2026, the shortlist for next year’s awards has now been released, featuring 40 of the best picks from across the nations.

And while there’s a never-ending argument about whether it’s actually possible to enjoy a decent chippy tea in London, two names in the Big Smoke have made the list. Is this the end of the debate, once and for all?

The judges consider everything from the taste of their fish suppers to things like industry knowledge and sustainability – and there’s just one spot for the overall winner.

Flying the flag for London is Brockley’s Rock in – you guessed it – Brockley, as well as Stones Fish and Chips in Acton. So, that’s next Friday’s fish and chip supper sorted.

As for Brockley’s Rock, the restaurant is famous among its South London locals – and has consistently popped up in various rankings of the UK’s top 10 fish and chip shops, even taking home the Good Food Award for Fish and Chips for 2023 and 2024.

Charging £10.30 for cod and £10.45 for a slightly meatier haddock, they’ve also got a couple of slightly bougier options than the average town fryer – including a Thai fishcake, calamari, seabass, and a grilled salmon topped with teriyaki sauce and sesame seeds.

They don’t just serve up fish, either: they’ve also got a vegan menu, featuring plant-based takes on a fish steak, fish fingers, and fishcakes. And, of course, who could forget the battered sausage?

It’s long been a staple for locals, too, as over on Reddit, @Bronyar_5tomp said it ‘took me well over a decade of living in London to find a decent chippy and that one ticks the box.’

They joked that it’s ‘no Whitby fish and chips, but you can’t have everything.’

Meanwhile, @jtappenden labelled it the ‘best ever cod and chips,’ giving it a solid 10/10.

Over in West London, Stones Fish and Chips has a slightly cheaper offering on just plain fish, with haddock and cod on the menu for £8.95.

It’s primarily a takeaway, but there are a few tables to eat inside, if you want to maximise your piping hot chips rather than leaving them to get cold on the way home.

Their meal deal includes fish, chips, sauce and a drink for £13.95, or there’s even the option of swapping it out for two jumbo sausages for £9.95.

Arguably not too shabby, considering that in 2024, the Office For National Statistics found that the average price of a fish supper came in at around £9.88.

With double-cooked chips and lashings of gravy (one for the Northerners), it’s been applauded as ‘top quality’ by its customers.

‘Haddock, chips, gravy (just as good as up north imo). Vinegar comes out of a spray bottle, which I think is genius,’ @johnmk3 penned in the r/LondonFood Subreddit.

Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers, which runs the awards, said: ‘We’ve received a wonderful collection of entries for Takeaway of the Year – it is the badge of honour that many in the industry strive for, and we are very excited to see new names on the list.

‘This year we invited the public to encourage their favourite chippies to enter, and the campaign has proved successful as the judging panel can see hidden gems emerging.’

He added that it’ll be an ‘unforgettable’ experience for the new top 40 takeaways and wished them ‘every success’ for ‘what we believe is going to be an amazing display of skill, tradition and innovation.’

Last year, the Darlington-based Yarm Road Fish and Chips landed themselves the number one spot, earning points for flavour as well as value for its under £10 meals.

The chippy’s co-owner and manager, Will Burrell, described the experience of winning the accolade as the ‘proudest moment’ of his business life.

‘We went from a busy shop to a crazy-busy one overnight – and it’s showing no signs of slowing down!

‘We’ll be sad to hand over the trophy, but can’t wait to see amazing fish and chip shops showcase our wonderful industry and keep pushing it forward.’

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