London awards night beckons for the Crab & Lobster Fish Shack team

The Crab & Lobster fish shack has made it through to the final three in the ‘Newcomer Restaurant’ category in the National Fish & Chip Awards 2026, joining a restaurant from Fort Augustus in the Highlands and one from Blackpool. 

The awards ceremony will be held on 25 February 2026 at The Park Plaza, Westminster Bridge. 

Entrants of the National Fish & Chip Awards are assessed against industry benchmarks designed to stretch, inspire and improve the participating businesses. They are assessed and scored on measures including produce and industry knowledge; quality; business operations; sustainability; customer service; and the end product.

Initially, five newly opened restaurants were shortlisted in the newcomers category, with a live Zoom judging session then taking place to further quiz the businesses on their fish-frying techniques and industry knowledge:

“Five has now become three, and we couldn’t be prouder of what we have achieved in the short time since opening in the summer,” said Jack Coghill, who runs the restaurant with other family members.

 “We were quietly hopeful that we would get through to the last three, but competition is always fierce in these awards. To know that we are definitely going to London is amazing – we are beyond thrilled. This will be the first time we have attended an awards event just for the fish-and-chip industry.

“The fact there are two Scottish restaurants in this category shows just how good fish and chips are north of the Border.”

Commenting on the final line-up, Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers, and one of the event organisers, said: “Our final three fired up their fryers less than two years ago and are showing huge potential.”

www.thecrabandlobsterfishshack.com

Photography: Crab and Lobster Fish Shack