Brothers Aman and Gavin Dhesi’s fish and chip shop has been crowned the UK’s best takeaway at the National Fish & Chip Awards 2026, beating hundreds of chippies across the country
A number of Yorkshire spots made the shortlist(Image: coldsnowstorm via Getty Images)
When the two brothers first opened their fish and chip shop, their ambition was to become ‘everyone’s local’ — and now they’re celebrated not just in their hometown, but across the entire country as the very best.
In what the industry hails as the ‘Oscars’ of the seafood world, this modest chip shop in York claimed top honours at The National Fish & Chip Awards 2026. The Scrap Box was crowned the best fish and chip takeaway in the UK — a title the owners are taking in their stride.
To even be considered for the prestigious awards, those shortlisted must demonstrate ‘extensive product knowledge, sustainable business practices, employer integrity, first-rate customer service’ and, naturally, an exceptional talent for cooking mouth-watering fish and chips.
What’s impossible to overlook is that both winners, including The Scrap Box, along with four out of six commended establishments, are all rooted in Yorkshire — cementing the county’s status as the undisputed home of the great British chippy.
The takeaway’s owners, brothers Aman and Gavin Dhesi, stumbled upon the site — formerly a toilet block beside a layby — and immediately saw its potential.
Their vision was to create a chippy that would serve the villages surrounding York and Pocklington, as well as hungry travellers passing through on their way to the seaside.
The two co-owners of the establishment, who are also siblings, are absolutely thrilled with their accomplishment. Gavin said: “There are so many outstanding fish and chip shops across the UK and countless awards, but this is the one every chippy dreams of, the ‘Oscars’ of our industry!”.
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“With the most rigorous judging and the highest calibre of past winners, it’s a true honour to be recognised at this level. To represent the very best of fish and chips for the year ahead is both humbling and hugely meaningful to our team and a testament to the craft, care, and consistency we put into every portion of fish and chips.”
The chippy, located at Trunk Road Services on Hull Road in Dunnington, maintains a strong commitment to sustainability regarding the fish they serve.
Their website reveals the brothers made the business Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified back in 2024, enabling them to trace every piece of cod and haddock they serve right back to where it came from.
The roadside eatery has accumulated more than 200 glowing TripAdvisor reviews, with numerous satisfied customers sharing their experiences.
One recent visitor said: “I’m always wary of places that say ‘award-winning’ and never say what award they won!” However, here the accolades are prominently showcased for everyone to see.
“Attracted by the great exterior mural as we passed by, we promised ourselves to come back later. A lovely, fresh-looking interior, clean. The young chap who served us was extremely pleasant. Top-notch haddock and chips – freshly cooked and not greasy at all. We eat loads of fish and chips and could tell these were excellent.”
Their eye-catching mural is impossible to miss for people driving past, featuring a striking image of a fish gliding through water, set against the city’s distinctive skyline. While it certainly entices people through the door, it’s the delicious food that ensures customers return again and again.
Other contenders in the category included The Fish Works in Largs, Scotland, which secured second spot. Rounding out the top three was another Yorkshire chippy, Shaw’s Fish & Chips of Dodworth, situated in Barnsley.
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