Key Points
- Skipjacks in Harrow, north London, has been shortlisted as one of the top 40 contenders for the Takeaway of the Year title at the 2027 National Fish & Chip Awards.
- The shop is one of only three London establishments to make the prestigious nationwide longlist, alongside Chipping Wharf Fish & Chips in Bow and Fish! Kitchen in Southwark.
- Organized by the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), the competition is celebrating its 39th year.
- Skipjacks was established in 1969 and has operated as a family-run business in North West London, offering traditional fried fish, grilled options, and Matzo-cooked specialities.
- The top 40 longlist will be narrowed down to a top 20 and then a top 10 before the winner is crowned on 24 February at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in London.
Harrow (North London News) September 24, 2026 – North London fish and chip shop Skipjacks has secured a place on the official 40-strong nationwide shortlist for the Takeaway of the Year category at the 2027 National Fish & Chip Awards.
As reported by Grant Williams of The Evening Standard, the family-run venue located in Harrow is one of just three businesses across Greater London to earn a spot on the longlist after impressing industry judges during the initial online entry stage. Joining Skipjacks in representing the capital are Chipping Wharf Fish & Chips in Bow and Fish! Kitchen in Southwark.
The annual competition, now in its 39th year, is run by the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF) and serves as the premier awards scheme for the UK’s fish and chip sector. The 40 shortlisted establishments from across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland will undergo further assessments as the list is whittled down to a top 20 and then a top 10, culminating in an awards ceremony early next year.
How Did Skipjacks Reach the Top 40 Longlist?
To secure a position in the top 40, applicants were evaluated on an extensive array of operational criteria via an online entry submission. The judging panel reviewed participating shops on product knowledge, sustainable sourcing practices, staff training standards, customer service, and environmental management.
As detailed by Liv Kelly of Time Out, London’s representation on the national longlist has increased this year, rising from two shortlisted venues in the previous edition to three for the 2027 cycle. None of the London representatives reached the final stage in the preceding year’s competition, placing added attention on this year’s local contenders.
As quoted by Joseph Reaidi of the Kilburn Times, NFFF president Andrew Crook remarked on the quality of this year’s entries, stating:
“As we celebrate the 39th year of the National Fish & Chip Awards, it’s brilliant to see talent, passion, excellent professionalism and dedication to their craft on display. Every year, the takeaway of the year standard continues to rise and this new list of top 40 contenders exemplify that.”
What makes Skipjacks Stand Out in North West London?
Skipjacks has traded in London for over five decades, having been founded as a family business in 1969. The business operates both a takeaway service and a sit-down restaurant, specializing in daily hand-cut fresh seafood.
Alongside standard fried cod, haddock, plaice, and skate, Skipjacks offers grilled options, Mediterranean preparations, and traditional Matzo-cooked fish. The establishment also caters to specific dietary preferences by offering Halal-prepared fish alongside its standard menu items.
According to local customer ratings documented on TripAdvisor and cited by the Kilburn Times, the venue maintains a 4.1 out of 5 rating, with diners frequently highlighting the restaurant’s daily fresh fish preparation and long-standing staffing consistency.
What is the Next Stage of the National Fish & Chip Awards?
The selection process for the Takeaway of the Year title involves multiple rounds of rigorous evaluation managed by the NFFF. Following the publication of the top 40 longlist, participating businesses will undergo unannounced mystery shopping assessments and further technical reviews.
As reported by Time Out, the judging panel will systematically narrow the field from 40 to 20 finalists, followed by a final top 10 shortlist scheduled for release in the coming months.
The national winner will be announced at the official National Fish & Chip Awards ceremony on February 24, 2027, held at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge hotel in central London. Additional category accolades will be presented at the event, including Restaurant of the Year, Young Fish Frier of the Year, Newcomer of the Year, and the Environment and Sustainable Business Award.
Background of the National Fish & Chip Awards
The National Fish & Chip Awards were established by the National Federation of Fish Friers to promote standards, food safety, sustainable sourcing, and operational excellence across the independent fast-food sector. The NFFF itself was formed in 1913 and functions as the official trade association representing fish friers across the United Kingdom.
Over its 39-year history, the competition has evolved from a regional industry showcase into a comprehensive national evaluation framework. Entrants are judged not only on the sensory quality of their fried batter and cooked chips, but also on supply chain transparency—specifically the use of certified sustainable fish stocks and responsibly sourced potatoes. Winning or reaching the final stages of the Takeaway of the Year category historically leads to significant national media exposure and increased customer footfall for participating independent businesses.
Prediction: How This Development Can Affect Local Business and the Community
For Skipjacks and the wider Harrow community, shortlisting in the top 40 of a national trade award creates tangible operational and economic effects.
- Impact on Local Footfall and Revenue: Recognition on a national longlist frequently drives an influx of culinary tourists and regional diners. For Skipjacks, this extra visibility is likely to generate higher daily sales volumes across both its takeaway and restaurant operations during the autumn and winter months.
- Elevated Pressure on Supply Chain and Service: Increased demand will require the business to manage stock levels tighter, particularly regarding daily fresh fish deliveries and oil quality maintenance, to ensure consistency ahead of potential unannounced mystery visits by NFFF judges.
- Validation for Independent High Street Retailers: In an economic climate where independent hospitality venues face pressure from rising energy tariffs and ingredient costs, a high-profile nomination highlights the commercial viability of traditional, family-run high street shops.
- Positive publicity for London’s Hospitality Sector: With London securing three spots on the 2027 longlist—up from two in the prior year—the inclusion of Skipjacks helps counter perception that top-tier fish and chip takeaways are exclusively located in coastal towns.
