Lucky for us, one Greater Manchester chippy has made it into the Top 3 shortlist to win the acclaimed 'Field to Frier' at the National Fish & Chip Awards 2025.
The awards in question are organised by the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF) and they provide an opportunity for all the best chippies up and down the country to show the industry exactly what they're made of.
"Whether the preference is to dunk chips in ketchup, gravy, curry sauce or simply douse them in salt and vinegar, it requires outstanding 'pro-fish-iency' to ensure the final product can shine both on its own, as well as in a sea of condiments," NFFF explains.
Along with the Newington Fish Bar in Ramsgate, Kent, and the Redcloak Fish Bar in Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire -Stockport's very own Taylors will be 'battering' it out for the number one 'plaice'.
Taylors, based in Woodley, has been going strong for decades now since way back in 1966.
The Stockport chippy pedals a belief that has always stayed true that 'the fresher the better' - and it doesn’t get any fresher than sustainably-caught fish frozen at sea, or fresh pies made right here in their own family-ran kitchen.
Championing quality produce made by people with passion and pride, it's no wonder Taylors have stuck around all these decades serving the nation’s favourite food that’s loved by locals old and young.
It's no wonder they've been nominated for 'The Field to Frier' award, which 'authenticates the great skill and precision in the selection of potatoes and the preparation and cooking to produce golden chips with an exquisite texture and flavour combo'.
All three finalists, Taylors included, need to complete a specific set of tasks as well as take on several challenges and interviews covering industry awareness, product knowledge, environmental and sustainability best practices, employer responsibilities, customer service and more.
President of the NFFF, Andrew Crook, says: "Fish and chips is such an iconic British staple and it takes huge amounts of skill and hard work to not only perfect the dish and other menu offerings but to also overcome challenges and sustain the business while keeping employees motivated and fulfilled. There’s a lot to it and each awards season we see greater depths of talent, expertise and business acumen and this trend has continued this year, too."
He added: "Takeaway of the Year is the big one, so it goes without saying that the journey it takes contenders on is very intense. At each stage learnings and recommendations are provided to encourage the hopefuls to keep pushing forward and that’s why the National Fish & Chip Awards is seen as the competition for chip shop owners that want the additional steer to become better than they were before. We’re off to a brilliant start and we’re excited for the next rounds and to honour these deserving people."
The National Fish & Chip Awards ceremony takes place early doors next year (February 26, 2025) where the winner will be announced.
Find out more here.