Our famous fish & chips will become a permanent feature at North East institution
As a chippy institution celebrates its centenary year, it’s been announced that one of its branches will be a permanent fixture at another North East favourite.
Colmans have been serving fish and chips to the people of South Shields since 1905 with humble beach shack beginnings.
Their takeaway and sit in restaurant Colmans Fish and Chips, which is located on Ocean Road, opened in 1926 and was their only venue until 2017 when they expanded the business with Colmans Seafood Temple, giving new life to Gandhi’s Temple.
As well as having a loyal local following, they’ve become a chippy to the stars with everyone from Hillary Clinton to James Corden enjoying their fish lots.
Last year, the family-run business opened a third branch at Fenwick - and the concession has proved so popular that it’s been announced it will be a permanent feature at the department store in Newcastle.
Richard Colman, Director at Colmans Fish & Chips, said: “Opening our first branch outside of South Tyneside was a huge step for us and we knew it could only be done if we found the perfect partnership, one that aligned with our own values.
“Not only is Fenwick the most famous department store in the region, it’s a family business like ourselves so it was the perfect fit.
“We were always confident this partnership would be successful but it’s exceeded all expectations. We’ve welcomed thousands of visitors, we’ve created dozens of jobs and we’ve quickly established ourselves as an integral part of the Fenwick family and the Newcastle dining scene.
“I am delighted that Colmans Fish & Chips is now a permanent part of the Fenwick experience and it comes at a very important time for us, as we celebrate our centenary year.”
Kieran McBride, Store Director at Fenwick added: “We were delighted to welcome Colmans to Fenwick last year, and it’s fantastic to see the partnership become a permanent part of our Newcastle store.
“Fenwick has long championed unexpected and locally meaningful collaborations, and from day one Colmans proved to be a natural fit. As a much-loved North East institution with a reputation for serving the region’s finest fish and chips, it resonated immediately with our customers.
Colmans’ heritage as a family-founded North East brand aligns closely with our own values, and we’re incredibly proud to be continuing this partnership on a long-term basis.”
To mark 100 years since they opened their first restaurant, the Colman family has a host of events planned throughout 2026. Last month, they kicked the celebrations off with a sold-out event at The Customs House, South Shields, featuring a screening of the film Local Heroes: Out and About with Colmans along with a live podcast and Q&A session.