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Residents of the Essex resort can proudly boast that their neighbourhood chippy is getting recognised at a national level, bringing a taste of Essex to the top of the UK fish and chips scene.
The Fish Inn, a family-run chippy on St John’s Road, has been named one of the UK’s top 10 takeaway fish and chip shops for 2026.
The announcement comes as part of the prestigious National Fish and Chip Awards, the country’s official competition recognising excellence in the industry since 1988.
The Fish Inn in Clacton (Image: SWNS)
The awards, now in their 38th year, celebrate the skill, dedication, and craftsmanship of independent fish and chip businesses across the UK.
This year’s shortlist spans the length and breadth of the country, with Yorkshire boasting four nominations, Scotland two, and London, Oxford, Essex, and Durham each contributing one.
The Fish Inn proudly represents Essex in the elite line-up.
Fish Inn – Fish and chips (Image: Fish Inn)
Hundreds of chip shops entered the competition, with a panel of industry experts initially narrowing them down to a top 40.
Judges then assessed finalists on a range of criteria including product quality, skill, taste, customer service, staff training and environmental sustainability.
Finalists undergo interviews, practical skills assessments, and anonymous taste tests, before ‘mystery visits’ determine the overall winner.
Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers which runs the awards, praised this year’s finalists.
He said: “Each category of the National Fish and Chip Awards recognises the skill, dedication and expertise of the incredible talents running successful fish and chip shops.
“Our judging process is robust, covering everything from operational and environmental standards to product quality and customer service.”
Other finalists in the top 10 include Bells Fish and Chips in Durham, Brockley’s Rock in London, Harrison’s Fish and Chip Co. in Oxford, and a number of highly regarded shops in Yorkshire and Scotland.
The awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday, February 25, at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in London, where winners in categories such as Takeaway of the Year, Restaurant of the Year, and the new Menu Innovation award will be announced.
Lucas Lambrou – Owner of Fish Inn (Image: SWNS)
Mr Crook encouraged customers to continue supporting their local fish and chip shops, saying: “There’s a lot of hard work and precision craftsmanship that goes into exceptional fish and chips. The 2026 finalists represent the very best in the industry and the heart of local communities.
“We are looking forward to celebrating all the incredible people and independent fish and chip businesses at the heart of our local communities, recognising their determination to deliver the most delicious portions of fish and chips to customers the only way they know how.
“So, we ask everyone to please continue supporting their local chippy and help keep the legacy of the iconic dish thriving for generations to come.”
