Co Tyrone spot in the running for best 'newcomer' in UK at National Fish and Chip Awards

A Northern Ireland fish and chip shop has been nominated for 'Best Newcomer' at the National Fish and Chip Awards 2025.

Running for over thirty years, the National Fish and Chip Awards is the largest UK-wide event that raises standards across the industry and supports fish and chip-related businesses.

Skipper Jacks in Clougher, Co Tyrone, has successfully made it through the first stages of rigorous judging to be shortlisted in the top five new fish and chip shops in the UK.

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The only chip shop from Northern Ireland to make the list, Skipper Jacks on the Augher Road has been operating since July 2023.

Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), which organises the awards, said the lineup of finalists in the newcomer category is "exceptional".

He said: "The fish and chip industry is incredibly fulfilling, rewarding and fun to be part of but these five businesses opened at a time that was well-documented as challenging for even the most established.

"However, our shortlisted hopefuls didn’t shy away from the situation and went for it to achieve their dreams, and that leap of faith is paying off.

"They may be new on the scene, but these chip shops are doing noteworthy things already, the teams are energised, full of ideas, passion and drive.

"The selection process isn’t easy, so we commend all who have entered and got to this stage. We are excited to have this opportunity to work alongside such inspiring people.”

The winner of Newcomer of the Year will be announced at the National Fish & Chip Awards on February 26 in London.

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