Torquay's Pier Point 'humbled' by national fish and chip shop of year award

Torquay’s Pier Point Bar and Restaurant is on top of the world after landing a prestigious national title.

The popular seafront business has been crowned Fish and Chip Shop of the Year at the Fishermen’s Mission Awards which were held in the historic surroundings of Trinity House at London’s Tower Bridge, London.

South Devon and West Country fish restaurant chain Rockfish were also handed the Outstanding Achievement Award and there was also Fundraiser of the Year recognition for staunch supporter and Paignton supermarket worker Dean Astill.

Pier Point and Rockfish have raised thousands of pounds for the Mission in recent years - the Torquay venue through several events including staff dressing up as Mission mascot Albert with collection boxes on national fish and chip day, and Rockish in partnership with the Brixham Trawler Agents and their popular tours of the port’s fish market.

Pier Point has won several awards in the past but the Mission award was extra special. Owner Lorraine Arnold said: “It was a complete surprise and humbling. It’s because we were nominated by them. They decided. It was from the country. 

“This one is special, sweet. It is a lovely recognition for myself and the team and for all the money we have raised.”

She added: “This recognition goes beyond just serving up great quality fish and chips; it’s about giving back to the community. 

“We are truly proud, humbled, and honoured to receive this award, which reflects our small contribution to the incredible work the Fishermen’s Mission does in supporting the brave men and women who risk their lives at sea every day.”

The award was presented at the charity’s annual meeting, themed Staying Afloat, celebrating supporters and volunteers who help sustain the vital work of The Fishermen’s Mission. 

The Mission said the accolade recognises not only excellence in serving one of Britain’s favourite dishes, but also Pier Point’s unwavering commitment to community, charity, and supporting the UK’s fishing industry.

It said: “Over the years, Pier Point has put The Fishermen’s Mission at the heart of its charitable efforts—raising thousands of pounds through fundraising events, matching donations, and even having staff dress up as “Albert” to collect funds with a smile and a bucket. 

“The team has worked hand-in-hand with Helen Lovell-Smith, the charity’s dedicated Area Officer, whose tireless work across the South West gives back a lifeline to fishermen and their families in times of hardship.”

Lorraine Arnold said: “The work Helen and the wider Fishermen’s Mission team do is nothing short of incredible.

“They are often the first people there when tragedy strikes or when quiet hardship sets in. As a business that proudly serves sustainable seafood, we know our industry relies on these incredible men and women who go out to sea, often at personal risk. Supporting them is not just a nice thing to do - it’s a responsibility. It’s part of looking after our supply chain and our community.

“The cause has always been really very dear to our hearts, even before we entered the industry and knew what Fishermen's Mission was. We have supported the charity ever since we found it. This national award is a true honour for the Pier Point team, who are passionate about not only great food and service, but also giving back in meaningful ways."

Rockfish and the Brixham Trawler Agents were commended for raising over £48,000 in the last few years through its educational morning tours of the Brixham fish market.

BTA chief executive Barry Young and finance director Adam Mudge were in London with Rockfish owner Mitch Tonks and area manager Andree Vacchelli to receive the award.

Mitch Tonks said: “The Fishermen’s Mission does a great amount for the fishing industry and I have been a supporter of them for more than 30 years. The award recognises the phenomenal effort by all the people who make this happen.

“The fish market tours do not only raise money, they also show visitors how the market works.”

BTA managing director Barry Young said: “The tours have become very popular over a number of years now and are always sold out. It was a great accolade to receive the award.

“We were delighted to have won the Outstanding Achievement Award. Together with Rockfish Brixham , we have raised over £48,500 from the Brixham Fish Market Tours in the last few years for this wonderful charity who do so much work in our local community.”

Fundraiser of the Year Dean Astill works in the garden section of Morrisons in Paignton. He organises a monthly quiz in aid of the Mission. For the past two years has also collected  Christmas presents from customers for Mission Area Officer Helen to to give to fishing families. 

He also nominated her for a Morrison's Foundation grant which was successful and paid for the travel and refreshments to take retired fishermen to the South Devon College Maritime Academy to use the new fishing vessel simulator and meet the new fishing apprentices

Helen said: “I was delighted to attend the annual meeting to witness the dedicated and loyal supporters of the work I do in Devon be recognised nationally with these awards. 

“I want to take a moment to publicly thank our supporters and those who have been awarded the recognition they deserve in keeping me afloat.

“The regular fundraising that happens by loyal supporters who never question the details of the work I am doing, they accept that I am doing unseen work that goes on within the fishing community, whether that is with active fishermen or our retired folk.”

The Fishermen’s Mission receives no government or lottery funding, relying entirely on donations. In 2024 alone, the charity distributed over £400,000 in grants, made more than 1,600 harbour visits, and supported upwards of 20,000 clients across the UK’s fishing communities.