Sandgate Chippie and The Chippie Van named one of UK's 50 Best Fish & Chip Takeaways

Sandgate Chippie and The Chippie Van in penrith has been named as one of the UK's 50 Best Fish & Chip Takeaways 2026, follows two rounds of mystery dining visits by leading trade publication Fry Magazine in which judges meticulously inspected aspects including food quality, premises cleanliness, staff expertise, value for money, ease of ordering, and social media presence.

With the pass mark set high at 97%, Sandgate Chippie and The Chippie Van scored an impressive 99.2% with the mystery diner particularly praising the quality of their meal, menu choices, the smart and professional staff, freshly cooked to order food.

Dan Harding of Sandgate Chippie and The Chippie Van said: "we are extracting to receive such a great reward for our teams hard work. We try to bring the best quality service, meals and value to our customers every day"

Commenting on their success, Reece Head, competition organiser, said: "Congratulations to Sandgate Chippie and The Chippie Van. Over the past 12 months, they have faced significant challenges, including higher wage costs, rising energy bills and exceptional pressure on fish prices. Despite this, they have maintained consistently high standards, supported and motivated their teams, and kept customers informed as changes were needed. That commitment was evident to our mystery judges and is what secured them a place among the UK's leading fish and chip shops. An exceptionally high pass mark of 97% was set this year, demonstrating the consistently high shop standards in place.

"Their success proves that our nation's favourite takeaway remains nutritious, great value and stronger than ever."

"Starting the year as award winners is a fantastic way for fish and chip shops to kick off 2026, setting the tone for a successful year ahead." 

Fry Magazine's 50 Best Fish & Chip Takeaways is now in its 14th year with sponsors including Frymax, Seafood from Norway, Pukka, KFE, The NFFF, McWhinney's Sausages, BD Signs & BDigital, Superior Frying Fat, VA Whitley, Henry Colbeck, Sarson's, Central Foods, Hopkins and Kerry.