It's oFISHial - Rotherham home to one of the best restaurants in the UK

A Rotherham restaurant is frying high with a top industry award and can now claim to be the third best fish and chips restaurant in the UK.

Whitby's at Catcliffe opened in 2011, a new build site at Poplars Business Park which includes an eat-in restaurant which can seat 180 customers, alongside a traditional takeaway.

At The National Fish & Chip Awards, the Restaurant of the Year category saw ten deserving outlets shortlisted at the 2026 edition of the industry’s premier award ceremony that recognises amazing food, passion for the sector, quality and high-level commitment to serving customers the best of the best.

At a glittering ceremony in London, Whitby's was named in the top 3.

A detailed review process graded the participants against benchmarks that reinforce best practice and professional integrity to keep standards at the highest levels.

After judges assessed every part of their businesses, the highest scoring five progressed to the semi-finals and received an unannounced visit and taste test by an industry specialist.

Andrew Crook is the president of the National Federation of Fish Friers, he says the 2026 edition has been one of the most complex for the judges to separate the winners. He said: “What a year it has been for the National Fish & Chip Awards! We don’t make it easy to progress through the assessments as benchmarks are always set extremely high. This ensures shortlisted businesses and individuals truly know about serving superb quality meals for customers and they are contributing to the growth of sector by innovating where possible, investing in their operations and people, and being exceptional advocates for the trade.

“It’s been clear from the start that those competing came with serious agendas to elevate industry best practice like never before and we are so proud to say these are the winners!

“Fish and chip businesses are the backbone of the takeaway space; the heritage is like no other and our winners represent tradition and the future to the highest degree."

A post on social media from Whitby's said: "To be recognised among the very best in the UK is an incredible honour, and it simply wouldn’t be possible without our amazing team and our loyal customers.

"To our staff – your hard work, passion, and dedication every single day make achievements like this possible.

"To our customers – thank you for your continued support, kind words, and for choosing Whitby’s time and time again. This award belongs to all of you."

Whitby's website

Images: National Federation of Fish Friers / Whitby's