Two Manchester chippies named as winners in major 2026 Fry Awards competition

The results follow months of judging in which takeaways, restaurants and mobile units were secretly assessed by mystery diners on a range of aspects such as food quality, premises cleanliness, staff expertise, value for money, ease of ordering, and social media presence.

Only the operators with the highest scores earn an award, making it a much sought-after accolade. The pass mark this year is 97% for the takeaway category and 96% for the restaurant category, although several businesses were successful in gaining 100%.

This is the 14th year the awards have taken place and judges were once again impressed by the quality of entrants and the food served. Feedback within the mystery dining reports included comments such as “The food was piping hot and had obviously been freshly prepared,” “This outlet was busy, but both staff members worked well as a team, with the customer service being excellent,” and “It was beautiful, succulent fish. The chips were lovely and golden”.

For Manchester, there were two amazing winners:

1. Sykes Fish and Chips, Pendlebury, Manchester

2. Town Street Fryer , Stockport, Manchester

Reece Head, competition organiser, comments: “Congratulations to this year’s Fry Award winners. Over the past 12 months, these operators have faced significant challenges, including higher wage costs, rising energy bills and exceptional pressure on fish prices. Despite this, they have maintained consistently high standards, supported and motivated their teams, and kept customers informed as changes were needed. That commitment was evident to our mystery judges and is what secured each business a place among the UK’s leading fish and chip shops. Exceptionally high pass marks of 96% and 97% were set this year, demonstrating the consistently high shop standards in place.

“Their success proves that our nation’s favourite takeaway remains nutritious, great value and stronger than ever.”

All takeaways, restaurants and mobiles that entered receive their mystery dining report, while winners also receive a plaque to proudly display in their shops.