Fishy Tale Is North East Success Story
An award-winning staple of the North East’s famous fish and chip scene is celebrating the best possible start to life north of the Tyne — following a bold expansion beyond the business’s South Tyneside heartland.
Colmans Fish & Chips opened its first Newcastle restaurant last month following a six-figure investment that positioned the popular brand inside the city’s prestigious Fenwick department store.
And almost a century after opening up on South Shields’ Ocean Road, the fifth generation family run firm is reporting an insatiable appetite for its Newcastle menu.
“We’ve already created 20 jobs at our new restaurant and we’re actively recruiting more staff to meet demand,” explains Richard Colman, Director at Colmans Fish & Chips.
“The first two weeks in Newcastle have been fantastic and have far exceeded our expectations.
“We worked long and hard to recreate the feel of a traditional fish and chip restaurant within one of the UK’s most famous department stores and that hard work is paying off.
“We were determined to invest in what we’re confident will be a genuinely positive addition to Newcastle’s hospitality sector.
“Every aspect of the fit-out — including our signature ‘story wall’ and gallery of famous patrons — was carefully planned and, as a family, we were very hands on when it came to pulling everything together.
“Another important consideration was the price point. Customers in Newcastle are paying the same for their fish and chips as our customers in South Shields and there was never any talk of a premium price simply because we were opening up a brand new place to eat in a busy city centre.”
Colmans’ Newcastle launch saw a slew of celebrities from the world of sport and entertainment tuck into the family’s classic fish and chips with sides of mushy peas and curry sauce.
Comedian Chris Ramsey rubbed shoulders with ex-England cricketer Ryan Sidebottom while Steph McGovern caught up with former athletes Steve Cram and Alison Curbishley — with all five regular visitors to Colmans’ brace of South Shields restaurants.
Kieran McBride, Store Director at Fenwick, added “We are delighted to partner with fellow North East founded family brand Colmans to launch Colmans Fish & Chips at Fenwick.If you’re looking for the best fish and chips in the region then look no further.
“With a legion of celebrity fans and a reputation for absolute quality, this collaboration is one we are incredibly excited about and we’re confident that our customers will love the Colmans and Fenwick experience.
“The launch reinforces the Fenwick restaurant offer which continues to evolve through unexpected collaborations, new Fenwick concepts and an all-round innovative customer experience.”
South Tyneside staple Colmans initially served customers from a small shack on the seafront at South Shields in 1905 before opening its first Ocean Road restaurant in 1926.
Beloved of fish and chip aficionados from across the region, the family launched its impressive Colmans Seafood Temple in 2017.
But moving north of the Tyne for the first time represents a bold move by Richard, brother Dominic and their team of trusted colleagues.
“We're already a regional favourite but it’s great to take our fish and chips into the city centre and make our menu more accessible for people who wouldn't necessarily come to South Shields as much,” added Richard.
“It's a great opportunity but it’s been a steep learning curve. We always knew that opening up our first restaurant outside of South Tyneside, in a prime Newcastle city centre location, would be a culture shock.
“But we’re relishing the challenge and Fenwick has been incredibly supportive. They've given us a lot of creative freedom to get this fantastic partnership off the ground.”
Colmans Fish & Chips, located on the first floor at Fenwick, bolsters the store’s already robust food and drink offering. A tried and tested menu will reflect the experience of almost a century of serving satisfied customers and Richard explains: “Fish and chips fried traditionally is the focus. We know what we do well and don’t intend to veer too far from that!
“Of course, you might go to a fish and chip shop but fancy a battered sausage too. We understand that so we’ve taken those elements and made them into cool, trendy sides.
“We've partnered with local independents like Geordie Bangers for a bespoke battered sausage and Chris Eagle at Great North Provisions for a really good pie.
“We also have some great grilled and gluten free options too for those who aren't feeling the fried choices.”
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