Ballymena’s Merchant named among UK’s top 40 fish and chip takeaways
Tuesday 22 September 2026
Ballymena’s Merchant Fish and Chips has been named among the UK’s top 40 fish and chip takeaways, putting the local business back in contention for one of the industry’s biggest national honours.
The Merchant is one of just four Northern Ireland businesses to make the longlist for Takeaway of the Year at the National Fish & Chip Awards, which are now in their 39th year.
Ballymena chippy back in national spotlight
The recognition continues a strong run for The Merchant, which was named Northern Ireland winner in 2025 and Northern Ireland Regional Winner in 2026.
Its history of success stretches back further, having previously been ranked among the UK’s top five in 2007 and at number 19 nationally in 2005.
The latest achievement means the Ballymena takeaway will now face further assessment as judges reduce the field from 40 businesses to 20.
Four Northern Ireland businesses make the cut
Joining The Merchant on the UK-wide longlist are Browns Award Winning Fish and Chips in Belfast, The Frying Squad at Balloo in Bangor and McCann’s Fish & Chips in Newcastle.
The 40 contenders were selected from entries across the UK, with judges assessing businesses on areas including food quality, customer service, industry knowledge and sustainable practices.
Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), which runs the awards, said:
“As we celebrate the 39th year of the National Fish & Chip Awards, it’s brilliant to see talent, passion, excellent professionalism and dedication to their craft on display. Every year, the Takeaway of the Year standard continues to rise and this new list of top 40 contenders exemplify that.
“It’s the people behind these businesses that make our industry what it is. We are proud to celebrate the owners, teams and young talent whose passion and hard work keep this much-loved tradition thriving. Recognition like this is about far more than trophies – it’s about acknowledging the individuals who go above and beyond for their customers and communities every single day.”
Next challenge is a place in the top 20
‘The Boss’ – Terry Scullion representing The Merchant at last year’s competition final in London in February 2026.
The Merchant and the other contenders will now undergo a comprehensive evaluation covering product quality, hygiene, environmental and operational sustainability, customer service and industry knowledge.
Only 20 of the 40 businesses will progress to the semi-final stage, before the competition is narrowed further to a final top 10.
Mr Crook added:
“This year we are particularly keen to shine a light on the opportunities our industry offers, from developing lifelong skills to fulfilling dreams of running a successful business. It’s a sector that rewards hard work and creates genuine career satisfaction for professionals from all walks of life. We’re proud to champion the next generation of talent as they build on the achievements of those who have come before them and help shape the future of fish and chips.
“Good luck to everyone who makes it through to the next stage, and we can’t wait to see the results next February at the awards.”
London final awaits eventual winner
The top 10 contenders are due to be revealed in the coming months, with the National Fish & Chip Awards ceremony taking place on 24 February at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in London.
For The Merchant, the latest top-40 placing adds another national accolade to more than two decades of recognition — with the immediate target now securing a place among the final 20 in the race to be crowned the UK’s Takeaway of the Year.
