Famous North Devon fish and chip shop is named among top five in the country

A well-known North Devon fish and chip shop that has kept on frying for 45 years has been named in the top five and is now bidding to become the best in the UK.

Squires Fish and Chip Restaurant and Takeaway in Braunton is among the top five finalists in the National Fish and Chip Awards 2026 for the Best Restaurant category.

The popular local chippy is up against two from Yorkshire, one from Norfolk and one from Bristol as they seek to be crowned overall winner when the awards ceremony is held at the Park Plaza in London on February 25.

Above: Squires Fish & Chip Restaurant in Braunton has been a popular mainstay in the community for 45 years. Credit: Squires

Between now and then the chip shop on Exeter Road in the centre of Braunton will receive an unannounced visit from the judges as well as mystery shopper visits, before the judges retire to digest the results and decide the winner.

Squires was established by June and Gordon Squire in 1969 and today is run by Mike, Cherry, Jane and William Squire. June passed away aged 92 in April this year.

Jane said while 2 team members Sebastian Harding Crook and Zak Bishop Make the national awards finals last year for Drywhite Young Fish Fryer and Employee of the Year, this was the first time since the 1980s Squires had entered the Restaurant of the Year category.

Above: Squires fish and chips has a great reputation in North Devon. Credit: Squires

The business has grown over the years and is a large part of the Braunton hospitality scene, being a large employer of local young people having their first job and has become renowned for its top quality fish and chips and service.

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She added: “This year we wanted to showcase that every day in our business needs the whole team working together and what better way to do that than enter the Restaurant of the Year.

“I know that my gran will be looking down upon us and proud that we have made the top five!

“It's really a team effort and we really couldn't do any of this without the hard work and commitment of all our amazing staff.

“To our loyal customers, we are truly grateful for all your support and custom, please wish us luck in the next round and hopefully we will be bringing a trophy back home to the South West.”

The top three winners at the awards will also get a trip to Iceland to learn more about Iceland's seafood industry and the passionate people behind making sure the UK continues to get its favourite dish.

Above: Over the years Squires in Braunton has expanded to cater for generations of local families and visitors. Credit: Squires