Oxford Fish & Chip Shop Wins National Award
An Oxford fish and chip shop has received a national UK trophy recognizing its excellence in quality and service. The award, presented by a TV celebrity, gives a nod to the city's culinary scene beyond its academic reputation.
The award-winning shop is Harrison's Fish & Chips in Botley, which won the "Menu Innovation" prize at the National Fish and Chip Awards. The ceremony, the 38th of its kind, was held in London on February 25, 2026, and hosted by comedian Rob Beckett. The trophy was presented to owner Ryan Harrison by actor Stephen Mangan, known for his roles in "I'm Alan Partridge" and "Married at First Sight". The Menu Innovation category was a new addition to the awards, which have been recognizing excellence in the fish and chip industry since 1988. Harrison's has been a consistent contender at the national level, having been named one of the UK's top 10 takeaway fish and chip shops in previous years. The shop's innovative approach includes offering a variety of alternative fish species like Saithe, Hoki, and Cornish Sea Bass, a move praised by the judges. This focus on diversifying the menu is a response to challenges in the industry, such as reduced cod quotas. Owner Ryan Harrison has stated his pride in supporting the UK fishing industry by using Cornish-caught fish and demonstrating that seafood innovation isn't limited to coastal towns. The National Fish and Chip Awards are organized by the National Federation of Fish Friers. The judging process is extensive, involving mystery shopper visits, skills assessments, and interviews covering everything from product quality to environmental sustainability. While Harrison's took the innovation prize, the top award for Takeaway of the Year went to The Scrap Box in York. Winners of the national awards are invited on a study trip to Norway to learn about sustainable fishing practices, a trip sponsored by the Norwegian Seafood Council.
