Westend Fish and Chips shortlisted for takeaway award

Westend Fish and Chips, in Blackburn Road, has made the top 20 shortlist for the Takeaway of the Year award at the National Fish and Chip Shop Awards 2025.

It is the only Lancashire fish and chip shop to have made the shortlist, making it ‘the best in the county’  - but co-owner Deryn Regan has her eyes on the national title.

Deryn, who has been at the helm alongside Lesley Hitchen for six years, said: “It would mean the world to win.

Deryn Regan and Lesley Hitchen, Westend Fish and Chips owners (Image: Deryn Regan) “We set out to buy a fish and chip shop on the back of losing my grandad. He knew the best fish and chip shops everywhere, no matter where we went.

"It would mean everything to win in memory of him so I can say ‘I am the best fish and chip shop’.

Deryn said being shortlisted is a “massive achievement” and a sign of the team’s hard work.

She will be interviewed next week to see if the business has made it into the top 10.

She said: “As a team, we are really happy and very excited. It is a massive achievement.

“We have been trying our very best to be the best and serve the good quality products we do. We are very proud and happy.

“We all work hard and my staff are invested in making the business the best so we are thankful to them as we share the same passion and drive.

“It hasn’t been easy and we have all been through extensive training and qualifications together so far. It is a team effort and we are all really happy.”

The business has diversified, adding jacket potato and one-pot meals to its menu.

Deryn said: “We try to remain traditional but times have been hard, with the cost of living and covid.

"We have tried to keep up with the times. We have gone digital, and brought in cheaper and affordable meals.

“We have brought in some innovative ideas such as one-pot meals and jacket potatoes. They provide other options for people who don’t just want fish and chips.

“I strive to be the best and I want to be the best – but understand other people have their preferences and like other places but I can only continue [to strive to be the best] and get feedback from customers to help me improve.”

Business owners in the top 20 have shown excellence in the areas of industry and product expertise, environmental and sustainable business methods, employer accountability, and of course providing the tastiest high-quality food, to name a few of the judging criteria.

Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), which organises the awards, explains the reasons for the gruelling process: “The National Fish & Chip Awards inspects entrants’ businesses to such an intricate level as there is a duty of care to ensure industry standards and practices are upheld to the highest degree.

“The ultimate goal is to produce fish and chips that customers want to eat time and time again but doing so sustainably for the environment and business longevity.

"Our 20 shortlisted chippies are showing their mettle, and we hope they are feeling proud to have made it this far and we are thrilled to be part of their growth experience.’’