Harleys Fish Bar on Queslett Road in Great Barr has been highly commended in the English Fish and Chip Awards 2026, adding another accolade to the family-run favourite that has been serving the community since 1982.
Recognition at the inaugural English awards
The awards ceremony took place in Manchester on Monday, celebrating fish and chip shops across the country. Harleys was shortlisted for the Best Fish and Chip Shop Midlands prize, which ultimately went to Wollaton Fish Bar in Nottingham, East Midlands.
Flying the flag for Birmingham were Sukhvinder 'Saggs' Dhillon and his son, Ryan Dhillon, who run the business. In a Facebook post, the company said: "To be recognised amongst the region's top fish and chip shops is something we're incredibly proud of and a testament to the hard work of our team and the support of our amazing customers."
The family added: "We're honoured to be recognised alongside some of the Midlands' best. Thank you for supporting a family business that's been Frying Since 1982."
Family tradition since 1982
Harleys Fish Bar has been a staple in the Great Barr community for over four decades, with the Dhillon family continuing the tradition of serving quality fish and chips. The business also operates a second location, College Fish Bar, run by the same family.
Awards director Warren Paul expressed his delight at the response to the awards, which have been running in Scotland for several years. This year marked the inaugural England edition. He said: "It's truly humbling to see the reactions from our winners and highly recommended - to see what it means to the people behind the businesses."
Rigorous judging process
Paul emphasised the thoroughness of the selection process: "That is the entire reason motivating us to stage these events, the endless work behind the scenes counting votes and nominations, assessing and judging finalists and often with great debate, finally choosing winners using all that evidence."
He added: "We are at pains to ensure our results are accurate, fair and deserved and always will be. We have to make sure our winners are the very best. So rest assured, if you visit any of those who have collected awards or HR honours from us, you're getting the best in that category. Even finalists have beaten many, many contenders."
Paul congratulated all participants: "Congratulations to those who have excelled this year and thank you for your support and your enthusiasm – the way the trade and more importantly the public have embraced this event has been touching."
Only Birmingham chippy in the running
Harleys was the only Birmingham chip shop nominated in the awards. Other Midlands finalists for Best Fish and Chip Shop included Midlands Extra Fish Bar in Warwickshire and Ocean Fish and Chips in Nottingham.
Harleys Fish Bar is located at 923 Queslett Road, Great Barr, B43 7DT, and continues to serve its loyal customers with traditional fish and chips.
