22/06/2026
As winners of the National Fish & Chip Awards, we were fortunate enough to visit Norway and learn more about the fisheries, people and innovations behind one of the world's most important seafood industries
1/2Aboard the Geir
Our trip began aboard Geir, a family-run longliner now skippered by the son of its original owner. Longlining is one of the most selective and sustainable methods of catching cod, with lines stretching over 30km and carrying more than 70,000 individually baited hooks.
Watching the catch being brought aboard was a reminder of the incredible skill, patience and innovation that underpin Norway's fishing industry.
3 Visiting Ode
Next, we visited Ode, the world's largest producer of farmed cod. We learned about their efforts to create more natural environments for cod, including deeper farming systems designed to better reflect the fish's natural habitat.
Could cod farming become an important part of feeding a growing global population? It's a fascinating question, and one we came away thinking about long after the visit.
They even had the courage to serve fish and chips to a group of Fish & Chip Awards winners, and were refreshingly open to honest feedback and discussion.
4 Ålesund
All of this took place in the stunning coastal town of Ålesund, famous for its distinctive Art Nouveau architecture. Rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1904, the town's history has always been closely tied to the sea, with fishing remaining at the heart of its identity and economy.
5 The Team
Aman and Gavin making the most of an unforgettable trip to Norway. Not a bad backdrop, and certainly not bad photography from Gabriel Bush , who managed to make us look far more professional than we usually do.
Thanks to Norwegian Seafood Council UK and to Federation of Fish Friers for putting on an incredibly 3 days in the city where the sun doesn't sleep all summer!
