Entries are now open for the National Fish & Chip Awards 2027, and The Q Partnership is once again proud to sponsor the Restaurant of the Year category.
Every year, the National Fish & Chip Awards celebrate the businesses that are raising the bar across our industry, recognising those that consistently deliver exceptional food, outstanding customer service and memorable dining experiences.
As proud sponsors of the Restaurant of the Year category, The Q Partnership is delighted to support the restaurants that continue to showcase the very best of Britain’s favourite dish.
We understand the passion, commitment and attention to detail that goes into running a successful fish and chip restaurant. From sourcing quality ingredients and developing talented teams to creating an atmosphere that keeps customers coming back, restaurants play a vital role in showcasing everything great about our industry.
Whether you’re an established destination restaurant or a family-run business serving your local community, the Restaurant of the Year award is an opportunity to showcase everything that makes your business special.
What is Restaurant of the Year?
The Restaurant of the Year category recognises businesses that deliver excellence across every aspect of the dining experience.
While serving exceptional fish and chips is essential, judges are looking for much more than what’s on the plate. Throughout the competition, restaurants are assessed on:
- Food quality and consistency
- Customer service and hospitality
- Restaurant atmosphere and presentation
- Knowledge of ingredients and sourcing
- Sustainability and responsible practices
- Staff training and development
- Innovation and business management
- Marketing and community engagement
The judging process is designed to celebrate restaurants that combine exceptional food with outstanding hospitality, creating experiences that customers remember long after they’ve left.
Proud to Support Restaurant Excellence
As businesses that supply and support fish and chip shops across the UK, The Q Partnership understands the dedication it takes to operate a successful restaurant.
Made up of Henry Colbeck, Friars Pride and V.A. Whitley, The Q Partnership works with thousands of businesses across the industry every year, seeing first-hand the innovation, resilience and passion that restaurant operators bring to every service.
That’s why we’re proud to sponsor the Restaurant of the Year category—celebrating businesses that continue to raise standards, inspire others and showcase the very best of fish and chip hospitality.
More Than Just an Award
Winning Restaurant of the Year is an incredible achievement, but the benefits of entering begin long before the winners are announced.
The awards provide restaurants with the opportunity to gain national recognition, build customer confidence, generate valuable publicity and celebrate the dedication of their teams.
The judging process also gives businesses the chance to benchmark themselves against some of the UK’s leading fish and chip restaurants and receive valuable feedback to support future growth.
For many businesses, entering the awards becomes a catalyst for continuous improvement and an opportunity to tell their story to customers old and new.
Trenchers of Whitby: A Restaurant Worth Celebrating
This year’s Restaurant of the Year winner, Trenchers of Whitby, is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through a commitment to quality, hospitality and continuous improvement.
A well-known destination for both locals and visitors, Trenchers has built its reputation on exceptional food, warm hospitality and an unwavering focus on the customer experience. Their 2026 Restaurant of the Year title is recognition of the consistently high standards the team delivers every day.
“Winning this award for the second time at Trenchers of Whitby, and for the third time as a brand, is a true testament to the quality of our food and to the outstanding hard work, passion, and dedication of our entire team.” Says Andrew Wilkinson, General Manager at Trenchers
Winning the award recognises far more than excellent food. It celebrates the people behind the business—the chefs, front-of-house teams and everyone working together to create memorable dining experiences.
Since being crowned Restaurant of the Year, Trenchers has continued to represent the very best of the fish and chip industry, showcasing the passion and professionalism that helped secure the title.
Andrew Wilkinson, General Manager at Trenchers explained, “This achievement is very much a team effort, built on the commitment of everyone across the business – many of whom have been with us for decades.”
Like all National Fish & Chip Awards finalists, Trenchers demonstrated excellence across every stage of the judging process, proving that success comes from continually investing in people, quality, and the customer experience.
Their journey shows that entering the awards isn’t simply about winning a trophy—it’s about showcasing everything your business stands for and inspiring confidence in your team and customers alike.
Could Your Restaurant Be Next?
Every award-winning restaurant started with one simple decision—to enter.
Whether you’re proud of the food you serve, the experience you’ve created, or the team you’ve built, the Restaurant of the Year category is your opportunity to showcase everything that makes your business exceptional.
At The Q Partnership, we’re proud to sponsor the awards and can’t wait to celebrate with those that make it through to the final stages – and the winner!
Entries for Restaurant of the Year close on 22 September 2026.
If you believe your restaurant deserves national recognition, now is the perfect time to put yourself forward.