Since Fish Bank was awarded the Fry’s Magazine Top 10 Best Fish and Chip Takeaways Award in 2023, we’ve continued to move from strength to strength, enjoying annual recognition in Fry Magazine’s National Fish and Chips Awards and even earning a prestigious Fish and Chip Quality Accreditation Award from The NFFF Fish & Chip Quality Accreditation. So, what’s the secret to our success (and our delicious, award-winning fish and chips)? Fish Bank owner and manager Jonathan sums it up best - “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. [These awards] prove to myself and the rest of the team that our simple, traditional, but contemporary approach to fish and chips is a real hit.” With news of our recent shortlist for the final top 10 in 2026’s National Fish and Chip Awards cementing our stellar reputation, join us as we reflect on what makes Fish Bank one of Britain’s top fish and chip takeaways. 

The last 3 years: growth, simplicity, and success 

In a world where food trends are born and grow old faster than ever, Fish Bank has maintained award-winning fish and chip status with our straightforward formula for success: simplicity, passion, and excellence in everything we do. As owner Jonathan explains, it’s not rocket science - all of our food is cooked “fresh to order using the very best ingredients available,” and customers enjoy “outstanding service” from friendly, professional, and well-trained staff. All visits from mystery judges are completely unannounced, meaning we can’t prepare in advance - not that we’d need to. As Jonathan says, “I can’t say we did much other than kept on doing what we believe in. We carried on following our processes that ensure we produce excellent food, with great customer service.” 

This philosophy has - and continues to - reap rewards in the form of both local and national recognition, earning us a shortlisted place in the UK’s Top 10 Fish and Chip Takeaways for 4 years running - 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026 respectively. Being a part of these awards is about more than just trophies and certificates, though. These recognitions prove to all of us here at Fish Bank that our commitments to excellence day in and day out, focusing on serving freshness, quality, and an excellent customer experience, really do make a difference. 

What makes us one of Britain’s top fish and chip takeaways? 

We’re often asked about our secret to National Fish and Chip Awards success, but honestly? There’s no special trick - just consistent passion, pride, and a commitment to doing things the right way. Every portion of fish and chips we serve is cooked fresh to order using the highest-quality ingredients we’re able to purchase and robust, comprehensive hygiene practices, backed up by our recent Fish and Chip Quality Accreditation Award - demonstrating our adherence to rigorous quality standards and commitment to providing a safe, clean environment for both staff and customers. 

As Jonathan explains, the greatest lesson we’ve learned from these awards is this: “To keep doing what we’re doing. Our natural qualities must have shone through enough to earn us [these awards] in the first place.” So, what makes us one of the best fish and chip takeaways in the country? Dedication - to excellence, to the highest standards of quality, and to providing excellent customer service time and time again. 

Celebrating our successes and looking ahead 

The whole Fish Bank team has worked hard over the years to earn consistent national recognition, so celebrating these successes has been a fantastic opportunity to reward our team spirit and sense of togetherness. Each year has been an amazing experience for all of us, from that first, special trip to London in 2023 to every ceremony since. That first awards attendance in particular remains a special memory - “It was our first time entering and it was amazing to be in the company of some great operators at the National Award finals (the Oscars of the industry!).” We even met comedian Jason Manford, who was presenting the award; Jonathan remembers him as “really funny - as you’d expect.” 

We’re not sitting around resting on our laurels, however - as owner Jonathan says, “there’s always room for improvement,” and we’re committed to making the Fish Bank experience better than ever each year. Every new recognition only motivates us to work harder and keep learning, refining, and providing an excellent fish and chip takeaway service to the great people of Sherburn. 

We’re now thrilled to announce that we’ve been shortlisted in the final 10 for the National Fish and Chip Awards 2026’s Top 20 Fish and Chip Takeaways, proving that hard work and passion pays off – and we can’t wait to attend the awards ceremony this year! It’s an incredible honour to be featured for the fourth year in a row, and one we never take for granted. 

A huge thank you is in order to all of our brilliant customers and hardworking team - you’re the reason we’ve come this far. 

Ready to taste what makes our award-winning fish and chips so famous? Visit Fish Bank in Sherburn today and discover what makes our customers (and judges!) keep coming back for more. Order online now or find us in person to enjoy some of Britain’s best fish and chips for yourself.