The coveted Drywite Young Fish Fryer of the Year award has returned to the National Fish and Chip Awards 2024 after a three-year hiatus.
After many applications, ten professionals under the age of 25 from across the UK were selected to compete for the award. Each has at least six months of unattended grilling experience.
Among the talented hopefuls is Lewis Newton from Sandgate Chippies in Penrith.
All participants will face a second round, which will include a virtual interview where they will show off their fish and chip cooking skills live.
They must answer set skill questions while their product and knowledge is assessed. The top six will then advance to the next stage.
This involves a visit to their respective scrap shops to further explore their abilities and decide on the final three.
The awards will continue due to the pandemic, which has caused the suspension of personal evaluation.
In addition, newcomers to the industry needed considerable time to improve their skills.
Award sponsor Kelvin Lee, CEO of Drywite Ltd, said: “Although it has been a long time coming, I am very pleased that we can now bring back the Drywite Young Fish of the Year Award. andquot; The caliber of young talent coming through the industry is amazing and the selected group have so much potential to really take their fish and chip careers forward in the future, it is exciting to present the winner with the Malcolm Lee Trophy and Drywite Ltd. part of their stories.”
Andrew Crook, president of the National Fish and Chip Federation and organizer of the awards, noted that the award is usually a major highlight for the judges.
He said: “The level of understanding and expertise of these young professionals is a strong indication of where the industry is headed and is full of promise.
The winner of the Drywite Young Fish Fry of the Year Award will be announced at an awards ceremony on 28 February 2024 at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in London.