National Fish & Chip Awards names Co Antrim spot as one of the UK’s best takeaways

It is the only one in the country to make the top 40 this year

A Northern Irish chippie is set to battle it out with the best across the UK for the title of Fish and Chip Takeaway of the Year.

Known as the “fish and chip industry’s crown jewel event”, the National Fish & Chip Awards 2026 is regarded as the most prestigious competition of its kind in the UK.

The Merchant in Ballymena has been named as one of the 40 businesses going head-to-head as the National Fish & Chip Awards Takeaway of the Year.

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It is the only takeaway in Northern Ireland to be selected to compete in the category this year.

The Merchant will head into the next round of extensive assessments which will focus on a range of criteria including product quality, hygiene, environmental and operational sustainability, customer service, and industry knowledge.

Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers said: “We’ve received a wonderful collection of entries for Takeaway of the Year – it is the badge of honour that many in the industry strive for, and we are very excited to see new names on the list.

“This year we invited the public to encourage their favourite chippies to enter, and the campaign has proved successful as the judging panel can see hidden gems emerging at this early stage.

“We’re also delighted to see others giving it another go which shows a commitment to excellence by taking on board previous feedback and coming back in a stronger position.

“It’s going to be an unforgettable experience for the new top 40 takeaways, and we wish them all every success for what we believe is going to be an amazing display of skill, tradition and innovation.”

The Merchant Fish & Chip Shop on Linenhall Street in the town is a multi-award-winning takeaway established in 1956.

Celebrating the nomination on social media, The Merchant said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have made the National Top 40 once again!

“Huge credit goes to our incredible team and our wonderful customers for nominating us. On to the next round!”

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