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Slowly but surely, London chippies are proving that, actually, fish and chips here in the capital aren’t as naff as people make them out to be. In recent months, Toff's of Muswell Hill was recently voted among top 10 chippies in the UK in Fry Magazine's annual Fry Awards and Fish Central in Clerkenwell was rated among the country’s best 20 by the Observer.
Now a London chip shop has triumphed in the 2025 National Fish and Chip Awards – Brockley’s Rock. The southeast London spot was the only chippy in the capital to be shortlisted for the awards’ coveted Takeaway of the Year back in November. Sadly, it didn’t make the podium in that category, but it did win first prize in the all-new ‘Community Engagement’ category.
The new prize was introduced to award chip shops for commitment to community service and the good stuff they do for their neighbourhoods. After a bunch of interviews and assessments, Brockley’s beat other finalists in Torquay and Cardiff thanks to its owner Kyriacos Karoulla spotting a significant problem with wasteland affecting the local vicinity. He worked with other local business and led an initiative that made the area cleaner and safer for everyone.
Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF) said of the new category: ‘Learning about the activities fish and chip businesses have been doing to support and better their communities has been nothing short of amazing, it has been an inspiring experience for all involved behind the scenes of the awards.
‘Brockley’s Rock is most certainly an anchor within its locale, and we are so proud of what the team is doing to strengthen community ties and spread positivity. It’s businesses like this that make the fish and chip industry so special, and we are delighted to have such an incredible winner as the debut recipient of the award – the bar has been set very high!
Upon receiving the award, Karoulla said: ‘After 30 years in the trade, I’ve learned that it’s the people – my fantastic team, our loyal customers, and the wonderful local community – who make it all so rewarding. We’re so proud to be part of this neighbourhood, and this recognition means the world to us. A huge thank you to the NFFF for shining a light on the importance of community spirit. Here’s to fish, chips, and bringing people together!’
See the full list of 2025 National Fish and Chip Awards winners here. And see Time Out’s pick of London’s finest fish ‘n chips here.
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