Despite London’s trophy cabinet nearing maximum capacity; we might need to make a teeny bit of a space to squeeze in one more shiny award. The National Fish & Chip Awards have just revealed the shortlist for their highly-coveted Restaurant of the Year award. And London managed to nab two comfy spots on the list.
Now, before you feel the need to point it out to me: I’m well aware that fish and chips reign supreme when eaten at the seaside. I’m from Margate, so – believe me – I know. But two London chippies reeled the judges in hook, line, and sinker – and I’m never going to turn down the opportunity to wax lyrical about the capital city, so here we go.
The awards in question have been organised by the cod-connoisseurs at the National Federation of Fish Friers. Across various different categories, the awards shine a light on the fish and chip industry; highlighting the spots that are truly off the scale. One particular category involved the fish and chip fanatics scouring the length and breadth of the country in search of the very best restaurant (I mean, someone’s got to do it, I guess). And two of the ten spots in the running for the Restaurant of the Year award are right here in London.
Golden Union, Soho
The first London fish and chip shop to have made an appearance on the shortlist is Golden Union. This sensational Soho spot has been filling the rumbling tummies of hungry Londoners since it opened back in 2008. Priding itself on serving up exceptional food, friendly service, and great value for money; it’s not too hard to see why Golden Union is a firm favourite in the fish and chip world. With a passion for sustainability, the fish at Golden Union is responsibly sourced – and they even serve up plant-based fish and chips, meaning there truly is something for everyone.
Seashell of Lisson Grove, Marylebone
The next London locale to have nabbed itself a seat at the Restaurant of the Year table is Seashell of Lisson Grove. Perched on the corner of Shroton Street and (you guessed it) Lisson Grove; this beloved eatery has truly captured the hearts (and the tastebuds) of the city. So much so that it’s welcomed a fair few famous faces in its time, with the legendary likes of Lady Gaga, Madonna, Stevie Wonder, and Denzel Washington all having paid a visit at some point. With a history that dates back to the end of the World War II and a passion for serving up fresh, responsibly-sourced, and flippin’ delicious fish; Seashell of Lisson Grove has become somewhat of a local landmark. And it’s easy to see why it’s been named one of the very best fish and chip restaurants in the country.
What happens next?
The judging panel of a-fish-ionados will now use their detailed review process to grade the ten restaurants, ensuring high standards and professional integrity. The five highest-scoring restaurants will make it through to the semi finals, with the overall winner of the Restaurant of the Year award set to be crowned at the fancy awards ceremony in February. And look, as utterly delicious as I’m sure every chippy on the list is; we sure do have our fin-gers crossed for the London spots. Because we think they’re batter than the rest, of course.
The National Fish & Chip Awards will take place in London on February 25, 2026. Find out more about the other shortlisted spots here.