Bristol restaurant shortlisted for top national award for its fish and chips

A Bristol restaurant that only opened five months ago has been shortlisted for a top national award.

Fish restaurant Noah’s on Brunel Lock Road, next to the Cumberland Basin, was launched by chef Daniel Rosser and his wife, Joie, in May.

It replaced the Lockside cafe, which had been there for several years and appeared in the TV sitcom Only Fools and Horses.

It’s the couple’s first restaurant but Daniel’s family also runs the award-winning Bath seafood restaurant Scallop Shell and fish and chip shop The Oyster Shell.

And now Noah’s - which is named after Daniel and Joie’s son - has been selected for a chance to be named Restaurant of The Year at the prestigious National Fish and Chip Awards 2024.

The shortlisted businesses have earned their place in the top 10 following a panel of judges reviewing each business for their environmental standards, sustainability best practice methods, customer service and knowledge of the fish and chip industry.

Daniel Rosser said: “When Joie and I set on opening Noah’s, we dreamt of creating an informal restaurant where everyone is welcome to come and enjoy the best fish and chips and freshest British seafood with a waterside view.

“It hasn’t all been plain sailing in the current climate, but to make it to the Top 10 Fish and Chip Restaurants when we’ve been open less than six months is a massive achievement for us.

“Getting this far is a credit to all our team, amazing suppliers and our customers who support us. Now that we have the chance to move forward in this competition is a bonus. We can’t wait to see what’s next!”

Awards organiser and president of the National Federation of Fish Friers Andrew Crook says the category has welcomed many fantastic entries: “While the challenges facing the fish and chip industry have been prominent in the headlines, the judges at the National Fish and Chip Awards are seeing how hard businesses are working to ensure the experience of coming into their restaurants remains second to none.

“We’re proud of how they are going above and beyond to continue serving this British classic and it’s an honour to be able to champion the entrants.”

Renowned names from the industry will continue further inspections of the shortlisted restaurants, including mystery visits to each, which will see the ten scaled down to five competitors.

Crunch time will be on 28 February 2024, when the winner is announced at the awards ceremony at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London.

And if you want to try the shortlisted fish and chips, Noah’s is running a daily Lock Keeper’s Lunch special (Tuesday - Sunday, 12 -3pm) and has a new Match Day Menu to coincide with evening rugby and football games (men’s and women’s) at Ashton Gate Stadium.