Penrith’s Sandgate Chippie is today celebrating the news that one of its team members Lewis Newton has been selected as one of only 10 people across the UK as finalists in the Young Fish Frier of the Year awards.
After a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year category is making a sizzling return at the National Fish and Chip Awards 2024.
Following many submissions for the award, leaders from the fish and chip industry have chosen ten exceptional individuals from across the UK to be in with a chance of scooping the game-changing trophy. The hopeful entrants are all aged under 25 and have a minimum of six months’ unsupervised frying experience.
Speaking on the announcement Lewis said “I’m so exited to have reached the top 10 and can’t wait for the next challenge.”
Lewis joined the team at Sandgate Chippie in 2020 working under the challenging circumstances in the middle of the covid pandemic but this didn’t phase him.
Lewis was just 16 at the time took it all in his stride and progressed quickly within the business.
Dan Harding owner of Sandgate Chippie said “We are very proud of Lewis. He has worked his way up from a counter server to frier in the last 2 years. He’s an asset to our team and we wish him the best of luck in the next round”
The second judging round will be a virtual interview where each candidate will fry fish and chips live in front of the panel and while the cooked product and their knowledge is assessed, they will also be asked set, skills-based questions. The best six will progress to the next stage, which will be a visit to their respective chip shops for further examination of all aspects of their role, to determine who the final three will be.
Award sponsor Kelvin Lee, Managing Director of Drywite Ltd, said: “Although this has been a long time coming, I am very pleased that we have now been able to re-instate the Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year Award. The calibre of young talent coming through the industry is amazing and the shortlisted group has so much potential to really drive their fish and chip careers forward in the future, it will be a thrill to present the Malcolm Lee Trophy to the winner and for Drywite Ltd to be part of their stories.”
Awards organiser and President of the National Federation of Fish Friers Andrew Crook comments: “This award is always one of the top highlights for the judges. The level of understanding and proficiency displayed by these young professionals is a strong indicator of where the industry is heading and it’s full of promise. Being able to encourage and support young fish friers from the first stages of their careers and seeing them flourish is a great privilege.”
The 10 young professionals making every day a good ‘fry day’ are:
Scotland
Glen Marshall Morrison – Garioch Fish Bar, Inverurie
Jamie Russo – Redcloak Fish Bar, Stonehaven
Imogen Atkinson – Real Food Café, Tyndrum
Cumbria
Lewis Newton – Sandgate Chippie, Penrith
Lincolnshire
Kieran Bulpit – Linfords Traditional Fish and Chips, Market Deeping
Cheshire
James Ellams – Fish and Chips @ Weston Grove, Chester
Staffordshire
Imogen Jones – Jojo’s Fish and Chips, Stafford
Wales
Taylor Webster – Fish Kitchen 1854, Maesycwmmer
Surrey
Georgia Lye – Seafare Fish and Chips, Guildford
Devon
Charlie James, Pier Point Bar & Restaurant, Torquay
The Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year winner will be announced at the awards ceremony on 28 February 2024 at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London.
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