Having only been open for fourteen weeks, The Crab & Lobster Fish Shack in South Queensferry, one of Scotland’s newest fish and chip restaurants, has been shortlisted in the Top Five Newcomer category in the National Fish & Chip Awards 2026.
The listing is one of only two in Scotland, with another fish and chip restaurant up in the Highlands also making the shortlist.
Established in 1988, the National Fish & Chip Awards look to showcase the country’s best fish and chip businesses, whether takeouts, mobile units, or full sit in restaurants. The Newcomer of the Year Award is an opportunity for chippies to ‘sea’ how they are faring since opening their doors for the first time since 1st January 2024 onwards. As the most in-depth competition of its kind in the UK, 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, to mention just a few.
“Having being told that the calibre of entries on Best Newcomer is always really high, we’re absolutely thrilled to have achieved a Top Five shortlisting in such a short time of being open,” said Bryan Coghill who runs the business with son Jack, wife Michelle, and Jack’s wife, Sarah.
“These awards are the Rolls-Royce of the Fish & Chip industry in the UK,” added Bryan. “They really are a great platform for us, making us part of an industry wide push to make fish and chip businesses the very best they can be, reaching new heights of excellence. They cover all kinds of categories, from Community Engagement, and Best Mobile Operator, to Supplier of the Year and best Digital Marketing. We thought we would put ourselves up for the Newcomer award, feeling that we did stand a good chance of at least being shortlisted. We really look to promote the highest standards, using some of Scotland’s finest fish and seafood suppliers. We have worked hard to create a friendly and welcoming atmosphere in the restaurant.”
Bryan remarked that he and the team at The Crab & Lobster Fish Shack were looking forward to the next stage of the competition, which sees them quizzed by the judges.
“They’ll be seeking to find out a bit more about the business,” he said. “Mystery shop visits are also carried out, with five businesses shortlisted then whittled down to just three.”
“We then have to wait until the Awards Dinner which takes place on 25th February in London at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge. We will certainly make an effort to attend this prestigious night in our industry as it’s a fantastic showcase and networking opportunity for us, along with representing a chance to dress up and say a big thank you to our hard working team.”
Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), which is responsible for delivering the National Fish & Chip Awards, describes the category as a real celebratory moment. “The fish and chip industry is one where the professionals within it really do live and breathe their craft, so when we welcome new businesses to the fold, there’s a great sense of collective excitement to see them succeed.”
“These new arrivals are showing impressive passion and innovation right out of the gate, and we’re sure with steer and encouragement from us and the wider industry, things will only get better for each of them. We’re excited to champion them on their journeys and seeing what they do next.”
Cooking oil solutions expert, Frymax is the sponsor of the award, with its UK Brand & Marketing Manager Andrew Marriott speaking of the significance of the category. “Frymax is once again proud to sponsor the Newcomer of the Year award. This category is extremely important for our industry as new entrants are a key driving force in the growth of the fish and chip trade and their entrance into the business is vital for our future prosperity.
“This award recognises those who have shown initiative, commitment and commercial acumen while also offering great products as they enter our brilliant industry.”
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For more information and bits on the National Fish & Chip Awards, please visit: www.thefishandchipawards.com.
