The Real Food Cafe in Stirlingshire Listed in Top 3 for UK Sustainability Award
We have been announced as one of the Top 3 finalists in the UK for the Environmental and Sustainable Business Award at the National Fish & Chip Awards 2026.
We are one of just two Scottish finalists, standing alongside The Fish Works in Largs and Harbour Lights in Falmouth.
Organised by the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), the award recognises fish and chip businesses that have embedded sustainability throughout their operations, from responsible sourcing and waste reduction to staff development, community impact and long-term environmental planning.
Sarah Heward, owner of The Real Food Cafe, said, “We were absolutely elated when we heard the news – this is such a vital category not just within the fish and chips industry but as a hospitality business. Being recognised at a national level really does validate all our hard work as a team in this area and shows what difference a small team in a rural business can make with shared vision and a passion for doing the best we can in terms of sustainability.”
To reach the final stage, The Real Food Cafe underwent rigorous assessment by industry experts, demonstrating strong performance across responsible supply chains, strategic decision-making, operational efficiency, waste management and customer engagement.
NFFF President Andrew Crook commented: “This year’s Environment and Sustainable Business competitors are some of the most outstanding fish and chip shops for demonstrating that sustainability goes beyond environmental duty and is a fundamental factor for long-lasting success. Each has shown the judging panel a commendable breadth of ethical and strategic know-how driving innovation and resilience.”
Sarah added, “This has been a journey of continual improvement for us, with the aim of reducing our carbon footprint and protecting our beautiful natural environment. What makes me most proud is the collective effort behind it. Our team have embraced sustainability in their day-to-day work, our customers have got behind our waste-reducing initiatives, and our incredible volunteers give up their time to collect tonnes of litter from the area. We’re also fortunate to have shareholders who invest in energy-efficient equipment and building improvements and support us by engaging in public talks and webinars.”
“All of these actions have made a real difference, from reducing waste and lowering energy consumption to improving efficiency and creating a cleaner, more beautiful local environment. It has boosted pride and motivation across our team, and we’re so delighted to hear that our work is inspiring others in the sector too.”
“Living and working in the National Park is a constant reminder of why sustainability matters. Our environment is incredibly precious, and we all have a role in protecting it. We’re now working with the Energy Saving Trust and Stirling Council on a proposed heat recovery system that could cut our energy usage by 20%. We’re also trialling new measures to reduce chip waste, such as collecting and weighing all the leftover chips with a view to reducing portion size and offering extra if customers feel they need more.”
The winner will be announced on 25 February 2026 at the awards ceremony at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London.
