Scottish operator, The Real Food Cafe, is now the Benchmark for UK fish and chip shops after a win at the National Fish and Chip Awards.
Sustainability leaders: Real Food Cafe sets the benchmark for UK fish and chip shops
Scottish operator The Real Food Cafe has been named among the UK’s top 15 fish and chip shops after winning the Environment and Sustainable Business category at the National Fish and Chip Awards – organised by the National Federation of Fish Friers and sponsored by Seafood from Norway.
For the wider trade, the win highlights how sustainability can be successfully integrated into a commercially strong fish and chip business – not just as a bolt-on, but as a core operating principle.
Based in Tyndrum, The Real Food Cafe has built its reputation on quality cooking and well sourced ingredients. Its award recognises a model that combines responsible sourcing, tight cost control, waste reduction and community engagement.
Owner, Sarah Heward and the other award winners will be invited on an exclusive study trip to Norway, hosted on board the long-liner vessel Geir, where they will see first-hand how Norwegian seafood is responsibly sourced at sea. The visit will give operators direct insight into the country’s science-led fisheries model, helping to bring origin, provenance and sustainability to life.
A focus on sustainable sourcing
A priority for the business is sustainable sourcing, with many products coming from vetted local suppliers, as well as quality seafood being sourced from trusted suppliers operating in well-managed fisheries further afield.
For the UK fish and chip sector, Norwegian whitefish remains central to long-term success. Norwegian cod continues to be valued for its mild flavour, flaky texture and dependable quality, while Norwegian haddock is a cornerstone species for many shops, trusted for its firm, consistent performance in the fryer. Saithe is also presenting a significant commercial opportunity for operators – offering an alternative to the coveted favourites at an accessible price point. It provides a credible, sustainable alternative that can help shops manage costs while maintaining quality – particularly important in a challenging trading environment.
Operational discipline and waste reduction
The Real Food Cafe’s approach demonstrates how sustainability and efficiency go hand in hand. Seafood offcuts are repurposed into dishes such as seafood chowder and fishcakes, improving yield and margin. The team is also working with the University of Stirling on carbon reduction planning
The business is working with the University of Stirling on carbon reduction plans, as well as installing a heat recovery unit in the kitchen which will recover around 70% of heat from its frying range, saving around 6.7tonnes of carbon emissions annually. What’s more an investment in energy efficient equipment, EV charging and hybrid vehicles supports longer-term environmental goals.
Beyond operations, the business has embedded community engagement into its brand through monthly “Pick n Chips – Meet Up, Clean Up, Eat Up” litter picks, mobilising more than 500 volunteers and removing over eight tonnes of waste locally. Support for Toilet Twinning further reinforces its wider social impact.
Using the award as a platform
Sarah Heward said: “We’re incredibly proud to win the Environment & Sustainability Award. Sustainability is at the heart of our business – It’s not an add-on, but part of how we operate every day. Living and working in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park is a constant reminder of why sustainability matters. Our environment is incredibly precious, and we all have a role in protecting it.
“Responsible sourcing, investment in more efficient equipment and processes, and efforts to reduce our carbon footprint are all central to what we do. Many of these initiatives also improve business resilience, while reinforcing our commitment to the environment, our team and our community.”
Sarah and her team were presented with their award at the ceremony by the Norwegian Minister for Fisheries and Ocean Policy, Marianne Sivertsen Næss. She said: “This award celebrates the hard work by many brilliant UK operators to responsible business. It’s been a pleasure to support this category and hear about what’s been going on behind the scenes from the winners and those shortlisted. In Norway, we share this approach and are committed to the sustainable management of fish stocks. A strong and responsible seafood industry is key to maintaining vibrant communities along our coast.”
Andrew Cook, President of the NFFF added: “We are delighted to see the Real Food Cafe recognised for their untiring efforts when it comes to the environment and sustainable practices. Sarah is so passionate about looking after her local area and leading the way in ensuring her business has minimal environmental impact. It’s great to see her encouraging other businesses to follow her lead.”
Bjørn-Erik Stabell, UK Director for Seafood from Norway, said: “The Real Food Cafe is a fantastic example of how fish and chip businesses can combine responsible, sustainable business with strong commercial performance. Their commitment to working with trusted suppliers and well-managed fisheries reflects the long-term thinking our sector needs and aligns with Norway’s approach to long-term ecological stewardship.
“As category sponsor for this award, as well the event’s principal sponsor, Seafood from Norway will work closely again with this year’s winner and the other award winners to help amplify their success, providing promotional support to showcase their business as a leader within the industry. Previous winners have successfully used their awards as a platform to tell their story, strengthen their brand and drive footfall, and we look forward to helping The Real Food Cafe do the same!”
For the trade, its award win serves as a clear reminder: responsible practice, strong supplier relationships and smart operational management are not only good for the environment – they are good for business.
