Reviews

UKTV Food Local Hero 2008 Winner

Gary Rhodes
Original Article

Despite reports of dwindling fish and chip sales in the UK, Colman’s are doing a roaring trade, leading them to take the ultimate accolade of UKTV Local Food Hero 2008. Plying the people of Tyne and Wear with oceanic goodness since 1926, the family-run fish and chip restaurant is no stranger to awards- regularly recognised for their achievements in the field.

A distinctive cut above your run-of the-mill chippy, Colman’s source both locally and sustainably. Environmental issues are of great concern, and information is reliably related to the consumer. Sections on the website lay out detailed and commendable policies relating to procurement, the environment, GM foods, and fish facts. Packaging and cutlery is recycled or biodegradable, food miles are kept to a minimum, cooking methods are energy efficient and even the hand-dryers use the latest eco-technology.

The menu is a delight. As well as various battered fish and chips, it spans a range of fishcakes, fresh seafood platters, salads, meaty savouries and the quintessential British sticky puds. But Colman’s are not precious about their recipes, publishing many of them online. This displays a well-earned trust in their product and restaurant- the owners Richard and Francis are clearly confident that their customers will keep coming back for more. And, if they keep this standard up, they’re absolutely right.