Market Deeping frier from Linfords makes shortlist for National Fish and Chips Awards

The fry’s the limit for a young cook who is in the running to pick up a national culinary award.

Kieran Bulpit is one of eight semi-finalists, aged 18 to 25, vying to be named the 2025 Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year at next year’s National Fish and Chip Awards.

He has worked at award-winning Market Deeping chippy Linfords Traditional Fish and Chips since 2019 and been frying for the last three years.

Kieran was selected by the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF) in a 12-strong shortlist and then made it into the final eight after being tested by a judging panel on his industry knowledge and frying skills.

“Since being taught to fry Kieran has gained massively in confidence,” said Linfords director, Chris Pithey.

“The secret to his success has been his eye for detail, but more importantly his ambition to develop himself and to increase his knowledge not just from frying fish and chips, but also around the degradation of oil, so we can constantly ensure we are cooking in the best oil for fish and chips.”

Kieran must now impress the judges when they visit the Market Deeping takeaway, assessing each finalist on every aspect of their frying skills and ability.

The winner will be announced when the awards are held on February 26 next year at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, in London.