Darlington chippy crowned best in the UK at National Fish & Chip Awards 2025
The accolade was announced at a grand ceremony in London on Wednesday (February 26), recognising the very best in the fish and chip industry.
Organised by the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), the awards, now in their 37th year, celebrate excellence across all aspects of fish and chip businesses, from quality and customer service to sustainability and innovation.
Yarm Road Fish and Chips secured the top prize after undergoing rigorous judging, which included interviews, mystery taste tests, and skill assessments.
A delighted Will Burrell, director-manager of Yarm Road Fish and Chips, expressed his amazement at the win.
He said: 'Well, we can't quite believe it! We really didn't think this year would be our year.
Yarm Road Fish and Chips - Takeaway of the Year (Image: NATIONAL FISH AND CHIP AWARDS 2025) "Not because of how the process and judging has gone, but purely because of just how unbelievable the rest of the top 10 finalists are.
"To be mentioned alongside these guys is one thing, but to top the list is something we could only dream of! Now somehow, it's reality.'
'Our biggest congratulations and thanks go out to our amazing team. They have worked tirelessly throughout the years and have been so invested in this competition.
"It goes without saying, but without them we would be nowhere near this position we find ourselves in today. To take this trophy home to them makes all the hard work worthwhile.'
Since opening eight years ago, Yarm Road Fish and Chips has grown into a staple of the Darlington community.
Recommended reading:
Barnard Castle biker died after suffering brain injury in head-on smash
Darlington dental centre praised for fixing residents' issues - but problems continue
Padel courts plan approved for former Wickes site in Darlington
Reflecting on the journey, Mr Burrell added: 'We have adapted to new situations, overcame hurdles and tried to perfect our craft of the nation's favourite takeaway. It seems we have got it somewhere near right!'
'Huge thanks to all our wonderful customers for supporting our little chippy. And thanks again to the best team in the world.
"To the wider public, keep supporting your local chippy. They are the cornerstone of many communities and there may be some tough times ahead, as we all know. Go and get your chippy teas. Thank you!'
Andrew Crook, president of the NFFF, praised this year's winners, adding: 'The bar for the National Fish & Chip Awards is set higher each year across the criteria the competitors are evaluated against, and our new titleholders have put everything into elevating their menus, sharpening their skills and developing their expertise.'
The National Fish & Chip Awards 2025 also saw The Fish Works in Largs, Scotland take second place, while Kellaway's Fish and Chips in Truro, Cornwall, secured third behind Yarm Road Fish and Chips in the Takeaway of the Year category.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Post
20-07-2025
- New York Post
Long Island teen starts burger business where veterans eat for free, proceeds support military members: ‘Want to do the right thing'
He proudly serves those who serve. A Long Island teen has started a smash burger business where veterans eat free, and a portion of its proceeds also goes to support current military members and their families. 'These veterans are sacrificing their lives so that we can put stuff together like this,' the burger-slinging soon-to-be high-school senior, Will Burrell, told The Post. Advertisement 4 Long Island high schooler Will Burrell teamed up with a local butcher shop in Mattituck to open a smashburgher stand — where veterans can eat for free and a portion of procceeds go to support military families. Dennis A. Clark The teenager, owner of Will's Smashburgers in Mattituck on the North Fork, said his special mission was inspired by his time at a military-style boot camp in Vermont. His fans now include New York Islanders forward and Long Island native Kyle Palmeri, who brought his son to the store to eat and has since expressed interest in collaborating through the hockey player's foundation, which also supports veteran causes. Advertisement 'I wouldn't be able to do any of this without the freedom that we have, and that's because they're putting their lives on the line,' Burrell said of active and veteran military members. The self-starting youth is all about paying it forward from his dedicated corner inside Center Cuts Gourmet Butcher shop, where he personally smashes patties and leaves handwritten, positive messages such as 'strive to inspire' on his customers' brown bags. 'It's not always about what money you make or how popular you are,' he said. 'It's that you want to do the right thing, always, never take shortcuts — and try and give back as much as possible.' 4 Will in front of his Will's Smashburgers sign at Center Cuts Gourmet Butcher shop. Dennis A. Clark Advertisement The young entrepreneur launched his palate-pleasing endeavor — which also offers merch such as patriotic American flag-printed T-shirts — last winter at a dinner event at the high school he attends in Greenwich, Conn. Burrell is from Long Island and lives there when not in school. Burrell raised $1,500 while flipping burgers at the event for the pro-soldier Gary Sinise Foundation, which he now donates 10% of his Long Island proceeds to. The high-schooler, 18, parlayed that initial success to cut a deal for a space in Center Cuts, where he had worked when younger. 4 Will go the idea to open the burger business after attending a military-style boot camp in Vermont. Dennis A. Clark Advertisement 'I was forming burger meat into patties, I was making sausages, all that stuff when I was younger,' Burrell said. 'I come from a family of cooking, and I've loved it since I was a little kid. My dad taught me lots about barbecuing.' Burrell, who also runs food trucks at his Brunswick School's athletic events, bought picnic tables for customers to eat on Center Cuts' front lawn. A smashing concept The teen said he had an eye-opening moment about the military when he attended Camp Spartan in Vermont and bonded with many former service members, as well as Spartan Race creator Joe De Sena. 'I learned a lot there, especially through talking with the veterans,' he said. 'After talking to Joe on a hike up a mountain, after a long few days of burpees and hikes, my perspective completely changed. It's so much better to just get the work done, take chances, take risks,' he said. The lasting impact inspired Burrell, a family friend of several Green Berets, to strive for success and community impact, he said. Advertisement 4 Will told The Post he is only able to start a business thanks to the sacrifices veterans have made for the country. Dennis A. Clark His time in New England also became motivation for his plans to join an ROTC program in college and eventually pursue a career in the Army. Until then, Burrell wants to keep making what the store calls the North Fork's best smashburger, he said. Advertisement 'You don't want to smash it too thin. … You caramelize the onions, crisp them up and grill them so it cooks evenly and then flip it so it cooks in the fat,' he said. 'Then there's the special sauce. It's ketchup, mustard, Dijón, mayo and pickle juice for just a little tanginess. Then there's the jam of bacon and onions — I love putting those together.' Burrell also offers 'The Green Beret' special for battle-tested eaters: a full-sized smash burger topped with lobster and warm butter. 'We put lobster on it because no one told us not to,' his menu advertises. Rising through the ranks Advertisement As Burrell has become a smash hit in the local community — almost all his customers know him by name, and friends post fliers around Mattituck to spread the word — Will's Smashburgers is already expanding. He hosted significant events at the Barnyard in Hampton Bays, has one planned for Macari Vineyard in August and is already earning celebrity clientele such as Palmeri. 'I'm super grateful for our veterans,' Burrell said. 'I'm grateful for this country. We live in the greatest country on the planet.'
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Yahoo
Darlington fish and chip shop named UK's best takeaway is expanding
A family-run fish and chip shop in Darlington, which was crowned the nation's best takeaway this year, is to open a new restaurant in the heart of town. Yarm Road Fish and Chips was named Fish and Chip Takeaway of the Year 2025 at the National Fish & Chip Awards in February, after a rigorous assessment process run by the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF). The top prize recognises quality, innovation, and customer service in Britain's best-loved food industry. The Yarm Road Fish and Chips team win Best Takeaway at the NFFF Awards 2025 (Image: NFF Awards) The chippy is owned by Graeme and Julie Burrell, and with the help of son Will, they have thrived for the past eight years. On Friday, June 13, Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen visited the chippy to congratulate the family. He said: "This is a fantastic local success story. Graeme, Julie and Will have built something really special - a family-run business that's proudly putting Darlington on the map. "Winning a national award like this is no small feat, especially in such a competitive field. It shows the quality, the passion, and the work ethic behind every portion they serve. "It's another example of the brilliant businesses we have across our region - and I can't wait to see their new restaurant open its doors very soon". Graeme Burrell, son Will and staff at Yarm Road Fish and Chips pictured with Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen (Image: TVCA) Since Graeme and Julie opened the Darlington shop eight years ago, the family business has grown into a community staple attracting customers from far and wide. During busy periods, the shop can fry up to 50 fish every 15 minutes, going through more than 600kg of chips in a single day. All dishes are cooked in traditional beef dripping, and the menu includes homemade fish cakes and the shop's signature crispy batter - which is a closely guarded family secret. Recommended Reading This North East home could sell for as low as £20,000 - but there's quite a catch Village pub and restaurant known for good value rebounds as an Italian eatery We tried the newest deli in Darlington and were blown away by the dishes on offer Following their success in the Fish and Chip Takeaway of the Year 2025, the Burrell's are applying the finishing touches to a new restaurant expansion, after having purchased the former newsagents next door. Graeme Burrell said: "We still can't quite believe we took the top prize – after the third and second place takeaways were named, we didn't think for a moment that we would have won first place. For our shop in Darlington to win is a dream come true. "Our team have put their heart and soul into making this happen, and we're so proud to bring the award home to our town. The support from our customers and the wider community has meant the world to us".
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Yahoo
Nottinghamshire fish and chip shop where 'food is unreal' rated among UK's best
Good Friday is the busiest day of the year for fish and chip shops around the UK with long queues expected at takeaways around the country. Many people follow the tradition of eating a fish meal on the Friday before Easter Sunday, and families across Nottinghamshire are no different. With countless chippies across the county, it can often be hard to narrow down the best shop to go to. Thanks to a new list of the top 40 fish and chip shops across the UK, compiled by the National Federation of Fish Friers, choosing which chip shop to take a chance on this Good Friday should be that bit easier. Unsurprisingly, a costal town - Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire - is rated as the best place for fish and chips in the UK, with two takeaways just over a mile apart featuring in the top 40 list. READ MORE: GBBO's Prue Leith, 85, says 'I haven't got much longer' in poignant interview READ MORE: Nottinghamshire pub kitchen temporarily closed after receiving one star hygiene rating In England, Yorkshire tops the list for best fish and chip shops, with four takeaways in the county appearing on the list. However, landlocked Nottinghamshire makes the list, with a beloved local chippy appearing in the top 40. Angell's Fisheries in Newark-on-Trent was determined to be one of the best fish and chip shops in the country. One of only four chip shops from the East Midlands to rank in the list, it is often said to be Newark's oldest, first opening in early 1900, according to the owners. The consistently-busy takeaway on Barnaby Gate has hundreds of five-star reviews on Google from loyal locals and customers who have travelled from further afield to try the highly-rated cod and chips. One recent review described the food as 'the best for miles and miles' and 'unreal' with another praising the staff service in the shop, adding "it's nice going to the chippy and everyone joking and chatting". Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers, said: 'Good Friday is a huge trading day on the fish and chip shop calendar when businesses across the country welcome hundreds of customers through their doors keen to enjoy this holiday staple. "Making the top 40 fish and chip Takeaway of the Year list is a huge achievement for these outlets that have all worked extremely hard to make it on there and all of which have had to go through a rigorous judging process by a panel of fish and chip experts. "Each and every one will be dishing up delicious portions of the finest fish and chips so if you're lucky enough to live locally to one of the shops mentioned or are keen to visit one, then it's 100% worth it." This year's winner of the top award was Yarm Road Fish and Chips in Darlington, in second place was the Fish Works in Lard, Scotland,and Kellaway's Fish and Chips in Cornwall was placed third.
