County Durham fish and chip restaurant wins at national awards
Bells Fish and Chips at Framwellgate Moor have won “Restaurant of the Year” in the National Fish and Chip awards 2025
A family-run County Durham restaurant has won “Restaurant of the Year” in the National Fish and Chip awards 2025 beating off competition from across the UK.
Bells Fish and Chips at Framwellgate Moor took home the accolade after winning at the glittering awards ceremony in London hosted by County Durham’s Matt Baker.
Chef owner and proprietor Graham Kennedy said: “My wife Alleson and I have been in the industry nearly 38 years and we are as passionate today about our product and service as we were as 20-year-olds just starting out.
“Back then we had no idea where this incredible journey would take us.
“The competition was extremely tough and we were up against the finest fish and chip restaurants in the whole of the UK so to win was just unbelievable.”
The competition involves a written submission, online video interviews with a judging panel and mystery shoppers coming to visit the branch to assess both the food and the service.
In 2024 Bells won two awards - best multiple operator and the field to fryer award.
The Field to Fryer award recognises fish and chip restaurants who display exemplary product knowledge and the processes involved in taking the humble potato from - you guessed it - the field to the fryer.
Mr Kennedy added: “This award gave us confidence and made us realise we had something special so this year we wanted to enter Restaurant of the Year.
“We invest in the best equipment, the best raw ingredients and the best environments for our customers.
“I have personally checked the provenance of our raw ingredients by visiting the trawlers we use who catch the very finest MSC approved fish from the coldest clearest waters of the Barents Sea.
“I have walked the fields where our potatoes are grown and checked their quality through our own testing procedures before they reach your plate.”
The winning branch of Bells - Framwellgate Moor, County Durham - has seen significant investment in the best equipment and is a modern site with car parking and of course the signature, award winning food.
Mr Kennedy continued: “We believe we have won because of the passion and dedication our team brings to the table every single day.
“We have long standing members of staff who have joined us on this journey and loyal customers who are still with us from day one.
“Winning the award was so emotional, because it made all the hard work and sacrifices worth while.
“It still hasn’t sunk in yet; the reality of being named the best fish and chip restaurant in the country.
“It is a wonderful achievement for Durham and the North East as well - putting our fantastic region on the map for fish and chips.
“We hope it brings people here to enjoy not only our food but the whole region of which we are so proud to be part of.
“We would like to extend our congratulations to all the other winners and nominees.”