A young York fish frier has made it to the final of prestigious national awards.
Abby Barker, from Millers Fish & Chips, Haxby, has reached the top four in the Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year award – part of the National Fish & Chip Awards.
The award celebrates the new generation of talented professionals in the UK fish and chips industry, and recognises those aged 25 or under with at least six months of unsupervised frying experience.
And after a rigorous and intense series of rounds – including a written paper, interview, and four-hour in-person assessment – Abby has made it to the final four.
The awards are organised by National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF). The National Fish & Chip Awards 2025 will take place on Wednesday 26 February at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London – where the winners will be announced.
This year, it will be hosted by Countryfile star and BAFTA award winner Matt Baker.
“It’s amazing,” said David Miller, co-owner of Millers Fish & Chips. “Abby has been in the industry just a year, and she’s up against people that have been trying for last three or four years to get in the finals.
“I’m so proud of her.”
Fellow star frier at Millers, Scott, also made it to the top eight of the final rounds.
Meanwhile, another York businesses has made the final – The Scrap Box in Dunnington, nominated for Takeaway of the Year and NFFF Quality Accreditation Champion.
The Scrap Box said on its Facebook page: “We’re delighted to have made the shortlist of another award at the Oscars of the fish and chip world!
“A big thanks to the team for maintaining solid standards.”
Mackerel Sky in Stamford Bridge are nominated for Fish and Chip Newcomer of the Year, and Mr C’s in Selby has been recognised for Training and Development.
To find out more about the National Fish & Chip Awards, visit their website here.
Good luck to all!