12 Of The Best Fish & Chip Shops

Bells, Durham
Situated in the heart of Durham City overlooking the Market Square, this recently refurbished take-away and restaurant has great fish and chips. From a fish finger buttie to deep fried salmon, the menu offers good value for money and an ever-changing specials board. If it’s a nice day, ask for your chips unwrapped and head down to the riverbank to savour the beauty of the city at the water’s edge.

Downey’s, Seaham
A trip to Seaham wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Downey’s. Part of a bustling stretch of shops, close to the harbour, it would be easily missed if it wasn’t for the delicious scent that draws in visitors. A must-have on the menu is the langoustine scampi and of course the traditional fish and chips, accompanied by a steaming pot of tea and bread and butter.

Colmans, South Shields
A business based on tradition, Colmans has been operating since 1926 and has built up a legendary reputation. Famous fans are said to include Bill Bryson and Tony Blair. This award-winning restaurant and take-away is situated just up from the sandy beaches of South Shields. It’s the place for fish and chips.

Pantrini’s, Whitley Bay
Pantrini’s has an illustrious history that can be traced all the way back to Italy. Beginning in the ice cream business, the family ventured into the fish and chip trade in 1989 and quickly caught up to the standard set by their ice cream. You can order anything from fish and chips, burgers, jacket potatoes and even macaroni cheese here.

Magpies Café, Whitby 
Rain or sunshine, the Magpies Café is bound to have a queue outside the door. Situated on the harbour, the café offers an impressive menu that includes salmon, sea bass and plaice, with daily specials including oysters, squid and lobster. The distinctively black and white building dates back to 1750. Once a Merchant’s House and a shipping office, the building was converted into a café in 1939.

Coastline, Blyth
A local favourite in Blyth, Coastline is the best place on well, the coastline, for fish and chips. Surrounded by golden sands and beautiful dunes they do a fantastic ‘Coastline Special’ which includes either cod, haddock, or cod bites with chips, mushy peas, salad, bread and butter all served with either tea, coffee or a soft drink. Perfect for a rainy day, or if you’re lucky a scorching summer one.

Davey’s Fried Fish and Chip Potato Restaurant, Beamish Museum 
Taking you back to Edwardian England, Davey’s Fried Fish and Chip Potato Restaurant is situated in the heart of the open air Beamish Museum. Bringing tastes from the past back to life, fish and chips are fried on traditional coal-fired ranges in real beef dripping and wrapped in newspaper. Enjoy the traditional dish in the adjacent saloon, or if the sun is out opt for the picnic tables with scenic views of the village.

Waterfront, North Shields
North Shield’s Quayside is home to a selection of fantastic pubs, restaurants and of course, chip shops. The Waterfront is our pick; freshly caught fish is transferred straight from the sea into the fryer and can be enjoyed in the restaurant, or on a summer’s day, take a stroll along the quay. It isn’t only the fish that people make the journey to Waterfront for, the menu also includes haggis, sausage and traditional pies.

Marshalls, Tynemouth
Serving fish and chips for over 80 years now, Marshalls is seconds away from the stunning Edward’s Bay. The menu offers visitors many alternative and curious tastings (including cheesecake in batter, pineapple ring in batter and spam fritters in batter) there’s no ‘batter’ place in Tynemouth for some tasty fish and chips.

Middleton–in–Teesdale Chip Shop
Situated close to iconic North East attractions High Force and Barnard Castle, this is the ideal place to conclude a lovely day out. Rest your feet and indulge in scrumptious fish and chips in the outside eating area that’s made up of picnic tables. The chip shop is nestled in between Hamsterley Forest and the Yorkshire Dales National Park, making it a good stopping point on an adventurous day out.

Pinnacles Fish and Chip Restaurant, Seahouses 
Nominated by celebrity chefs ‘The Hairy Bikers’ as their favourite fish and chip shop, Pinnacles has made a name for itself among the local community and tourists alike. Just miles from the iconic Northumberland landmark, Bamburgh Castle, this fish and chip shop also offers healthy options such as salads, pasta and chicken dishes; a refreshing alternative on a hot day.

Foulis, Berwick-upon-Tweed
We couldn’t think of a better place to order fish and chips to go than in Berwick-upon-Tweed. With breathtaking beauty, the town is home to many fish and chip shops, however Foulis is our top choice. Set slightly back from Berwick Harbour, you can enjoy a traditional batch of fish and chips while taking in the northernmost town in England.