A Cumbrian fish and chips shop was left ‘over the moon’ after winning at the English Fish and Chip Awards.

At a new awards ceremony held in Midland Hotel, Manchester on Monday, June 22, the best fish and chips from shops all over England came together to crown the best.

Categories at the awards included Dine In, Family-Run, Coastal, City Centre, Historic, Sustainable, Menu and Mobile, plus best Fish and Chips as well as Best Fish and Chip shop, both by region.

Dan Harding of Penrith’s Angel Lane Chippie and Sandgate Chippie was left ‘over the moon’ after winning two awards.

Dan said: “We are over the moon. To bring several awards back to Penrith and receive recognition on a national stage is an incredible honour.

“These awards are a testament to the hard work, passion and dedication of every member of our team who play a vital part in maintaining quality and standards our customers expect.

“To be recognised among the country’s top fish and chip businesses is a fantastic achievement in itself, and we’re so grateful to our amazing team and loyal customers who have supported us every step of the way.”

Competing against businesses from all over England the Angel Lane Chippie brought home the Best Fish and Chip Shop in the North West and came highly recommended in the Best Fish and Chips in the North West.

While Sandgate Chippie picked up the Most Sustainable Fish and Chip Shop.

The two Penrith chippies were not the only Cumbrian businesses that were involved with Grange-over-Sands Fish Over Chips picking up three Highly Recommended awards with Best Dine-In Fish and Chips, Best Family Run Business and Best Coastal Fish and Chips.

Frasers Fish and Chips of Egremont and Whitehaven were Highly Recommended in the Best Fish and Chip Shop in the North West category.

Awards Director Warren Paul is thrilled by the response to the first ever English edition of an event which has topped the bill in Scotland for years.

Warren said: “It’s truly humbling to see the reactions from our winners and highly recommended – to see what it means to the people behind the businesses.

“That is the entire reason motivating us to stage these events, the endless work behind the scenes counting votes and nominations, assessing and judging finalists and often with great debate, finally choosing winners using all that evidence.

“We are at pains to ensure our results are accurate, fair and deserved and always will be. We have to make sure our winners are the very best.

“So rest assured, if you visit any of those  who have collected awards or HR honours from us, you’re getting the best in that category. Even finalists have beaten many, many contenders.

“Congratulations to those who have excelled this year and thank you for your support and your enthusiasm – the way the trade and more importantly the public have embraced this event has been touching.”

Judges visit each finalist and their scores make the final call on results – other than the Best Fish Fryer category which is decided by a live cook off on the day of the final.

Warren said: “The English Fish and Chip Awards are about shining a spotlight on those who truly deserve recognition, as are all of our awards concepts.

“It’s not about ego or glory – it’s potentially a lifeline in these very challenging times for all businesses, with the hospitality sector under more pressure than most.

“It’s vital to support local business in your area, or these traditional family spots simply will not exist in the future. It’s a scary thought but it’s the truth.

“The places and people honoured in this first edition of the English Fish and Chip Awards are the absolute best right now, so please go try them. 

“And if you think your local spot is better, make sure you nominate and vote for them next year.

“Paramount Creative is a family business so we get it – we understand the pressures but also the passion, commitment, pride and love that go into every day at work.

“We have huge plans to help share the spotlight with more and more unsung heroes of many trades and sectors, and especially this one.

“So watch this space – and thank you.”

The company behind the awards is Paramount Creative, who have spent many years showcasing different businesses and sectors with awards from Italian to Spice, Confetti Wedding to Prestige Hotel, Hospitality and Entertainment and even Funeral.

Applications are open for the 2027 English Fish and Chip Awards and businesses can apply here