Yorkshire Brothers' Fish and Chip Shop Crowned UK's Best Takeaway
Brothers Aman and Gavin Dhesi have achieved a remarkable culinary milestone, as their fish and chip shop, The Scrap Box in York, has been officially crowned the UK's best takeaway at the prestigious National Fish & Chip Awards 2026. This victory sees them triumph over hundreds of chippies from across the country, solidifying their reputation in the competitive seafood industry.
A Vision Realised: From Toilet Block to Top Takeaway
When the two brothers first opened their establishment, their ambition was simple yet profound: to become 'everyone's local'. This dream has now expanded far beyond their hometown, earning national recognition. The journey began when they stumbled upon a unique site—formerly a toilet block beside a layby—and immediately saw its potential. Their vision was to create a chippy that would serve not only the villages surrounding York and Pocklington but also hungry travellers en route to the seaside.
Gavin Dhesi expressed their excitement, stating, '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!' He added that with the rigorous judging and high calibre of past winners, it is a true honour to be recognised at this level, representing the very best of fish and chips for the year ahead.
Yorkshire Dominance in the Awards
What makes this achievement even more notable is the strong Yorkshire presence in the awards. Not only did The Scrap Box claim the top spot, but four out of six commended establishments were also rooted in Yorkshire, cementing the county's status as the undisputed home of the great British chippy. Other contenders included The Fish Works in Largs, Scotland, which secured second place, and another Yorkshire chippy, Shaw's Fish & Chips of Dodworth in Barnsley, rounding out the top three.
Sustainability and Quality at the Core
The Scrap Box's success is not just about taste; it is built on a foundation of sustainable practices and exceptional quality. Located at Trunk Road Services on Hull Road in Dunnington, the shop maintains a strong commitment to sustainability regarding the fish they serve. In 2024, the brothers made the business Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified, enabling them to trace every piece of cod and haddock back to its source.
This dedication extends to their customer service and product knowledge, which were key factors in their award win. To be shortlisted, establishments must demonstrate extensive product knowledge, sustainable business practices, employer integrity, and first-rate customer service, alongside an exceptional talent for cooking mouth-watering fish and chips.
Customer Acclaim and Unique Appeal
The roadside eatery has garnered over 200 glowing TripAdvisor reviews, with satisfied customers praising everything from the fresh, non-greasy food to the pleasant service. One recent visitor noted, '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.'
Adding to its appeal is an eye-catching mural featuring a striking image of a fish gliding through water against York's distinctive skyline. This artwork not only entices passersby but also reflects the brothers' creative approach to their business. While the mural draws people in, it is the delicious, consistently high-quality food that ensures customers return time and again.
In summary, The Scrap Box's victory at the National Fish & Chip Awards 2026 is a testament to the brothers' hard work, sustainability efforts, and culinary excellence. As they celebrate this national accolade, they continue to serve their community and travellers alike, proving that a humble fish and chip shop can rise to the very top of the industry.
