Overview
- Readers nominated their favourite shops online, with nominations closing on May 24 and local papers publishing shortlists in early June.
- Public voting is now open in the organising newspapers' print editions through mid-June, with most titles asking readers to cast votes by June 13 and a small number using slightly different deadlines.
- Each paper is running daily profiles of the finalists so voters can decide in print, and some competitions require buying a copy to submit a vote.
- Finalists include defending champions and long-running family businesses, several owners have thanked customers for support and some shops are also shortlisted in regional or national fish-and-chip awards.
- Organisers say the contests aim to celebrate a British culinary tradition, support independent businesses facing rising costs, and give community stories and local shops wider recognition.