A young fish frier from Chester has been named among 14 professionals competing for one of the industry's leading national awards.
Jay Potts, of Fish & Chips @ Weston Grove, has reached the shortlist for the 2027 Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year title at the National Fish & Chip Awards.
The result gives the Chester business another place in the competition after colleague James Ellams won the 2026 title earlier this year.
What the competition involves
The award is open to entrants aged 25 and under who have at least six months of experience frying independently. Organisers say it is intended to test technical ability, industry knowledge and the standards candidates bring to their work.
Potts and the other shortlisted entrants will now face a series of practical challenges and interviews with experienced fish and chip business operators. Judges will examine areas including oil selection, potato preparation, fish portioning and frying technique.
The process also covers confidence, leadership and wider business knowledge. The semi-finalists are due to be announced later in October, with the overall winner set to be revealed at a ceremony at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in London on 24 February 2027.
Following a Chester winner
Ellams said winning the 2026 award had increased trade at Fish & Chips @ Weston Grove by around 30 per cent, with the business continuing to attract new regular customers.
His year as title holder has also included a trip to the Faroe Islands, where he helped fry more than 9,000 portions of fish and chips during the annual Fishermen's Day celebration. He has also led educational industry events and organised study visits for other young people working in the trade.
Ellams advised the new entrants to embrace feedback from judges, saying it could build confidence and help refine their practical skills.
He added that young people should view fish frying as a career rather than simply a job, describing the award as a platform for those committed to the future of the industry.
Fourteen places on the national shortlist
Potts is joined by candidates from businesses across England and Scotland. The shortlist also includes entrants from Haxby, Spalding, Westhill, Nuneaton and Bedworth, Oxford, St Neots, Braunton, Fife, Guildford, Aberdeen, Lincoln, Fort Augustus and Clacton-on-Sea.
Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers, said the group had shown drive, determination and pride in their work. He said the next stages would test their practical cookery while also developing the skills and professional relationships needed for future leadership and business ownership.
The Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year award was launched in 1995 and is one of the longest-running categories at the National Fish & Chip Awards. Further information is available from the National Fish & Chip Awards website.
The shortlist, quotations and photograph were supplied by the National Fish & Chip Awards' press office. Local Gazette independently selected and edited the Chester angle.