Scottish business The Real Food Cafe is named among the UK’s 15 best fish and chip shops after landing top sustainability honour at the National Fish and Chip Awards

One of Scotland’s best-loved roadside stops is now officially one of the UK’s top fish and chip shops.

The Real Food Café, based in Tyndrum, has won 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 – cementing its place among Britain’s top 15 chippies.

The café has built its reputation on fresh, natural ingredients and quality cooking. Now it’s being recognised for something more – its commitment to doing business responsibly.

Sustainability runs through the veins of The Real Food Café's business. Its green initiatives not only improve the health of the environment, but also sustain local industry and contribute to the surrounding community too. A priority is local sourcing, and where local isn’t possible, the cafe prioritise quality and responsibility sourced ingredients from further afield.

It also focusses heavily on food waste reduction, using seafood offcuts to create dishes like seafood chowder and fishcakes.

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, investing in energy efficient equipment, an EV charger in the car park and hybrid company vehicles also support greener travel.

Through its monthly “Pick n Chips – Meet Up, Clean Up, Eat Up” litter-picking events, more than 500 volunteers have helped remove over eight tonnes of waste from the local area. The cafe team also regularly fundraises for Toilet Twinning, helping to build more than 350 toilets in Malawi.

Sarah Heward from the The Real Food Cafe said: “We’re totally delighted to win this award. Looking after the environment is a huge part of who we are and how we run our business - It’s in our DNA and not just something we do to collect an award. It is, however, lovely to be acknowledged at the highest level. We focus on responsible sourcing, reducing our environmental impact wherever possible, and supporting our local community. Our commitment to sustainability sends a strong message to our customers and our team, who can proudly say they work for a business that cares.”

Bjørn-Erik, UK Director for Seafood from Norway, the award partner said: “The Real Food Cafe shows how fish and chip businesses can make thoughtful sourcing decisions that contribute to responsible business. For local diners, it means their favourite fish and chips are not only delicious, but part of a bigger commitment to protecting the environment for generations to come. This aligns with our commitment to protecting marine resources for the future too. Their approach to only working with trusted suppliers and well-managed fisheries is exactly the kind of leadership this award celebrates. A huge congratulations to them.”

The Real Food Cafe is open 7.30am - 8.00pm every day serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner. Its ethically and sustainably sourced fish and chips, as well as gluten-free fish and chips are an iconic favourite on its menu.