The United Kingdom’s 2021 National Fish and Chip Awards have been canceled due to the coronavirus crisis, which has led to many fish and chip shops and restaurants around the country to temporarily close, the competition’s organizer, Seafish, has announced.
Entries for next year’s competition were due to open on 1 May, with judging to take place in late summer ahead of the awards ceremony in January 2021.
“In light of COVID-19 restrictions and the resulting closure of many U.K. fish and chip businesses, Seafish [has] decided to cancel this year’s competition, and turn its focus to helping fish and chip businesses to get back on their feet as quickly as possible,” Seafish sain in a press release.
The awards have been held annually since 1988.
“We’re aware of the huge impact COVID-19 is having on fish and chip businesses across the U.K. In over 30 years of running the National Fish and Chip Awards, the industry has never faced such a difficult situation and it’s very sad that so many shops have been forced to temporarily close their doors over recent weeks,” Seafish CEO Marcus Coleman said. “Although we’re unable to go ahead with the awards this year, we are fully committed to supporting the U.K. fish and chip sector through this difficult time. We are focusing our efforts on how we can support all the shops and restaurants that bring us our fish and chips and ensure everyone can get back to enjoying our favorite dish as soon as possible.”
Coleman noted that some shops, including previous awards finalists and winners, have remained open to run home delivery and collection-only services.
“Their creativity, innovation, and spirit are truly remarkable. We hope to incorporate all of this great work in the awards program for next year. With our valued sponsors and partners we will continue to support the shops in these trying times,” he said.
Photo courtesy of Neil Langan/Shutterstock
