The Anchor in Bexley was one of 50 fish and chip businesses across the UK named in the Fry’s 50 Best Fish & Chip Takeaways and 10 Best Fish & Chip Restaurants 2025.
Ranging from mobile units and takeaways to restaurants, the awards celebrate the best of the UK’s chippies, with the awards celebrating their 13th anniversary this year.
The Anchor is the creation of owner Ozan Bakic, who started the business up with his wife while working as an electrician with no prior food experience, and was able to grow the business into a successful and multi-award-winning enterprise.
Ozan, otherwise known on Instagram as @snvbae, has used his social media platform to promote his business working with local food influencers.
The menu combines traditional fish and chips with bolder new flavours to create a diverse mix of options for anyone craving a chippy tea.
The business serves a range of classic options like Scampi, Rock and Plaice, along with contemporary options like Squid chunks, Crab Claws and Battered Prawns, with prices ranging from £3.50 to £10.50.
One of Ozan’s biggest successes on social media was the launch of his Golden Cod, a fish fillet wrapped entirely in 24-carat gold leaf, inspired by chef Salt Bae’s luxury dining concepts.
This unusual dish became an instant hit, with videos on social media garnering the business “millions” in views”, and is believed to be the first fully gold-wrapped fish in the UK.
Ozan said: “We started out with only a handful of locals and the majority of customers were over 50.
“It was great to have such loyal customers, but I wanted The Anchor to reach all ages and backgrounds, so we started these social media campaigns to try and draw in a younger crowd.”
This accolade marks their latest award, including a Blue Ribbon at the Good Food Awards, and Best in England at the England Business Awards last year.
The winners were named following months of judging, where the finalists were assigned mystery diners who scored the businesses on a range of aspects including food quality, cleanliness of premises, staff expertise and value for money.
The competition was high this year, with all businesses scoring a pass mark of 96 percent of above, and some achieving the full 100 percent mark.
Speaking on the success, Ozan told News Shopper: “It’s fantastic to know the hard work is being recognised.
“We pride ourselves in being the best and really do focus on maintaining high standards.
“A huge big up to the team for their hard work and thank you to our suppliers who work really hard in delivering the best.
“Thank you to all our customers for the ongoing support.”