A fish and chip shop that opened just seven weeks ago has been named the winner of the inaugural Golden Haddock Award, a competition launched by Labour MP Melanie Onn to celebrate the region's most popular fish and chip shop.
The Fishdock Fryer, located on Alexandra Road in Cleethorpes, topped a public vote involving hundreds of local residents, beating a number of long-established businesses to claim the title.
The competition was organised by Onn ahead of National Fish and Chip Day, with residents across Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes invited to nominate and vote for their favourite local chippy.
The contest proved highly competitive, with just 25 votes separating first place from seventh in the final standings.
The winning business, owned by Natalie and Will, opened its doors only seven weeks ago but quickly built a loyal customer base, receiving strong support from local residents.
Speaking about the award, Melanie Onn highlighted the importance of fish and chip shops to local communities and praised the enthusiasm shown by residents who took part in the competition.
“Fish and chip shops are part of the fabric of our communities; nowhere takes its fish and chips more seriously than Grimsby and Cleethorpes.”
Melanie Onn MP
The Labour MP said the response to the competition demonstrated the strength of local pride in one of the area's most iconic industries.
“The response to the Golden Haddock Award was fantastic. People were incredibly passionate about supporting their favourite chippy, and there was certainly plenty of debate about who should come out on top.”
Melanie Onn MP
Onn described the Fishdock Fryer's victory as a remarkable achievement given how recently the business had opened.
“To win after being open for just seven weeks is a remarkable achievement. The support the Fishdock Fryer received from local people was hugely impressive and is a real credit to Natalie, Will and the whole team.”
Melanie Onn MP
She also pointed to the opening of new independent businesses as evidence of growing confidence in the local economy.
“Their recent opening reflects the strength of Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes as places to invest and open new hospitality businesses. We've seen a number of new venues and businesses launch in recent months, with the Fishdock Fryer being a great example of that positive change.”
Melanie Onn MP
The Golden Haddock trophy is currently being produced by local company We Are Fish and has been funded by a group of retired fish workers and merchants. Onn is expected to present the award to the winning team in the coming weeks.
The Fishdock Fryer's owners said the award reflected the hard work of their staff and the support they have received from customers since opening.
The business sources fresh fish daily from the Grimsby Fish Docks, with co-owner Will drawing on years of experience working in the fishing industry. Alongside traditional haddock and chips, the shop offers plaice, skate and gluten-free options every day.
Natalie and Will said they were determined to offer customers high-quality local produce alongside excellent service.
“We want the locals to love us and seeing so many returning customers makes us think we're doing something right.”
The competition also highlighted the enduring importance of the fishing and seafood industry to Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes, where fish and chips remain a source of local pride and an important part of the area's heritage.
Thanking everyone who took part, Onn praised all the fish and chip shops that received nominations and votes.
“The level of support for a number of chippies was exceptionally high, which is exactly what you would expect in the home of the world's finest fish.”
Melanie Onn MP
The Golden Haddock Award is expected to become an annual celebration of one of Britain's best-loved foods and the local businesses that continue to serve communities across the Grimsby and Cleethorpes area.
