Reviews

A Ringing Endorsement Of 80 Years Of Fish And Chips

Shields Gazette
Paul Myles Kelly
the Guide Verdict 8/10

A man tipped as future leaser of the Labour Party recently disclosed that Colmans was his favourite fish and chip shop.

South Shields MP David Miliband is a regular at the chippy in the heart of Ocean Road.

And on his newly established internet blog he praised the premises and said staff re-assured him that "all their fish are caught in a sustainable fashion".

That endorsement from the new Environment Secretary comes in the year Colmans celebrates 80 years in the town.

Heaven knows how many portions of chips have been served over those eight decades, but its survival is a real achievement for the family-run establishment.

In an area now more famous for its curry houses, Colmans maintains a passionately loyal customer base.

A stopover at the venue's takeaway during a stroll towards the seafront is part of the fabric of a South Shields summer.

But equally enticing is Colmans fish and chip restaurant.

Popping in as a lunchtime treat I was immediately welcomed by a friendly member of staff.

A bumper crowd was obviously expected as I was politely asked, as a solo diner, to sit at one of the smaller tables.

The menu is chock full of alternatives, including monk fish, lobster and fresh mussels.

Despite the variety on offer I stuck to cod and chips.

The restaurant is small but cleaned and brightly decorated.

I was served a pot of tea first, but it was followed within minutes with my meal.

The cod, which was served with a piece of lemon, was fresh, crispy and tasty and the chips were cooked to perfection.

The portions weren't mean either, and I was offered a wide variety of sauces to accompany my meal.

For a chilly spring day the food was warming, tasty, filling and reasonably prices - a shade under £7.

From Monday through to Friday there is also a special pensioner's offer of fish and chips and a cup of tea for just £4.49.