Golden Union, a fish and chip shop in Soho, has been named among the top 10 finalists in the 29th National Fish and Chips Awards, putting it in contention for the UK's best fish and chips restaurant. The venue, which has operated since 2008, is the only London representative in this year's Restaurant of the Year category, a title widely considered a 'benchmark of excellence' in the industry.
Owner Kerry Brennan said she is 'excited' about the nomination but stressed that recognition for London's fish and chips is 'long overdue'. She told MyLondon: "In 2008, we opened. Last year we were nominated but hopefully this year, we can win - we need a London chip shop [to win], either us or someone else; we're the first destination people come to the UK to try."
Aiming to break the North's dominance
Historically, winners of the Restaurant of the Year award have predominantly come from the North of England. Brennan believes it is time for the capital to be represented. "The North always claim they do it better. No one has ever won it in London, and it's about time. Anybody who is a tourist comes to London first, then goes elsewhere, so it would be nice to be represented. This is for all the chip shops because if we don't look after them, there won't be any left," she added.
The restaurant's menu features freshly made haddock or cod with crispy batter, hand-cut chips, and sauces prepared each morning. The curry sauce is singled out as a highlight. Adrian, who co-owns the business with Brennan, emphasised the commitment to quality: "Everything is made from scratch. Fresh chips, fresh sauces. A lot of the food you find is pre-made or processed, but we take the time not to compromise on quality or care. At 8am we are here, preparing everything. We change the fish oil daily."
A family-run operation with long-serving staff
Kerry and Adrian have built a stable team over the years. Andre joined as a kitchen porter in 2008 and has spent 18 years working his way up to head chef. Other staff members have remained for three to nine years. Brennan described the working environment as family-like: "The staff are lovely. We are a family. We have a community here in Soho. I have people reaching out from the US who will say, 'We are back in the city, can you save us a pie?' When you come in, we remember you. Hospitality is about feeding people and looking after them."
Adrian, who started as a KP and has never left, echoed the sentiment: "In the last 18 years, I've had one job and it's been here. I came as a KP and I've never left." He added that the restaurant's reputation relies on word of mouth: "There's no PR work here; our product is our PR. We have a community here. You could ask customers in the shop, 'Why are you here?', and they would say they were here three years ago or that their friend recommended them to us and that is what is most important."
Next steps in the awards process
The National Fish and Chips Awards judges assess businesses on food quality, hygiene, sustainability, customer service, and industry knowledge. The top 10 finalists will proceed to the next round, with the final five announced later this year. The overall winner will be crowned on February 24 at an awards ceremony at the Park Plaza, Westminster Bridge in London.
Brennan said of a potential victory: "It would make me cry if we won."
