Two Kent chippies have been named among the best in the country.

Lewis's Fish and Grill in Maidstone and the Newington Fish Bar in Ramsgate are both finalists in the National Fish and Chip Awards.

The chippies are among the last candidates in the Top 20 Takeaway of the Year and are both in with a chance of scooping the 2023 trophy.

Lewis's Fish and Grill, in Loose Road, and the Newington Fish Bar, in Newington Road, made it through to the final 20 after judges narrowed it down from 40 in September.

The Maidstone chippy is owned by brother Gavin and Craig Lewis, who took over the business in 2018 when it was Big Ben's Fish & Grill.

In 2019 they relaunched and re-branded before picking up the Best Newcomer Award in 2020.

The fish and chip awards last year sparked debate among KentOnline readers about which takeaway in the county was the best.

The Takeaway of the Year category is sponsored by Pukka Pies, McWhinneys, Smales, VA Whitley, Friars Pride, Henry Colbecks and B D Signs.

Newington Fish Bar and Lewis's Fish and Grill will find out if they've taken first 'plaice' or not at the awards show on February 28 at the Park Plaze at Westminster Bridge.

The winner will be announced at The National Fish and Chip Awards, hosted by The National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF).

Andrew Crook, president at the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), said: “We received such a high standard of applications this year, for this category in particular, making it a very difficult yet rewarding judging process.

"The top 20 really demonstrate a strong commitment to the fish and chip industry and to the British public, so we’re thrilled to see so many shortlisted from across the country. Congratulations to everyone involved, this is a massive achievement in itself."

For further information on the National Fish and Chip Awards 2023, visit www.thefishandchipawards.com.