A family-run Birmingham fish and chip shop has been celebrated as one of the very best in the entire country. Harleys Fish Bar on Queslett Road in Great Barr has earned a coveted spot in the UK's top 50 fish and chip takeaways for 2026, as announced by the industry's leading publication.
The Secret Judging Process
The prestigious awards, run by Fry Magazine, are decided by a rigorous, undercover assessment. For months, mystery shoppers anonymously visited hundreds of takeaways, restaurants, and mobile units across the nation. They scored each establishment on a strict set of criteria, including the quality of the food, cleanliness, staff knowledge, value for money, ease of ordering, and even their social media presence.
Reece Head, the competition organiser, praised the winners for maintaining exceptional standards in a challenging climate. "Over the past 12 months, these operators have faced significant challenges, including higher wage costs, rising energy bills and exceptional pressure on fish prices," he said. "Their success proves that our nation's favourite takeaway remains nutritious, great value and stronger than ever."
A Family Legacy of Service
Harleys Fish Bar is operated by owner Sukhvinder Dhillon and his son Ryan, who took over the business in 2016. However, the family's connection to the trade runs much deeper, with Sukhvinder boasting over 40 years of experience in the industry. The duo also own the successful College Fish Bar, which famously fulfilled Uber Eats' one billionth order last year.
In a heartfelt social media post to their loyal customers, the family expressed their pride and gratitude. "We're incredibly proud to share that Harleys Fish Bar has officially been named one of the Top 50 Fish and Chip Takeaways in the UK for 2026," they wrote. They credited their long-standing values, stating, "Saggs has been serving local generations since 1982, and those same values of hard work, pride, and putting customers first are at the heart of everything we do today."
High Standards and West Midlands Recognition
Fry Magazine confirmed that only businesses scoring over 97% in the judging process are awarded a place in the elite top 50, a benchmark that has been in place for 14 years. This year's exceptionally high pass marks highlight the consistent quality found in the country's leading chippies.
While Harleys stands as Birmingham's sole representative on the national list, the wider West Midlands region saw another newcomer recognised. The Big Chippy in Gornal, Dudley, which only opened its doors in 2024, also secured a place among the 50 best for 2026, marking a remarkable achievement for the fledgling business.
All award-winning shops receive a commemorative plaque to display, a bundle of professional frying utensils from Hopkins, and entry into a prize draw for cases of pies from Pukka.
