Colmans Fish and Chips — Restaurant in South Tyneside

A few weeks ago my wife, 9 year old daughter and I drove to South Shields from Stanley because we fancied fish and chips for a treat. We were hoping Colmans was open and it was. We hadnt been for years. When we arrived there was two families ahead of us, queuing outside, waiting to get into the restaurant. We were informed by the people ahead of us in the queue that there were an ample amount of free tables but they were not getting cleaned and prepared for new customers. Looking from outside we saw that there were around a dozen tables that we could see that were full of dirty plates, cutlery and piles of half eaten food. We waited outside for half an hour, during which time no tables were getting prepared for ourselves and for the customers who were starting to queue behind us, despite a steady amount of customers leaving. Eventually one of the waitresses serving was told by who I presumed was the manager to clear one of the tables near the window. The waitress took about 5-10 more minutes to clear the table where we were eventually seated. Once seated we were expected to choose our meals whilst we were still surrounded on all sides (except for the window side) by the site and smell of half eaten food, 'stale' fish, chips, tomato ketchup, curry sauce etc that were on the other tables. These were tables that we ourselves were aware that had been left in such a horrendous looking, smelly state for at least the 40 minutes that we were present. I suspect that they had been there alot longer. After 10 minutes of waiting to order and also waiting for the surrounding tables to get cleared we decided to get up and leave. When comparing the price of the fish and chips to our service and surroundings, our appetite had left us. Even my daughter wanted to leave. I would give 0 stars if I could. We could not have possibly enjoyed even the best fish and chips in the world given the unnecessary wait and the disgusting surroundings that we were expected to endure. I can only assume that our poor experience was due to a severe staff shortage as I cannot possibly think that this was anywhere near the norm, especially given its...

Me and the wife popped in today at a busy lunch time for… well, lunch. We waited at the door to be seated and were seated promptly. The place was jam packed with a lot of waitresses working their socks off in perfect for coordination and skill, I was rather awe struck at how hard these tough women grafted, hats off to them all. The table was clean, cutlery too. The waitress was a lovely young lady, very friendly and polite. She took our order and brought our drinks happily still working her socks off like the rest. As stated, the place was cram packed but still a lovely place. A real local feel with a lovely atmosphere. Prices? I’d say reasonable for what you’re getting and the portion. I got a haddock and chips which came with a pot of tea and mushy peas. Which was sixteen quid. Bare in mind I am sitting in and have a massive portion of food on my plate! It tasted amazing, skin on, battered and fried beautifully with no dripping fat. The chips were superbly cooked, and very fluffy inside. The tartar sauce was outstanding. Home made too. We got offered packets or homemade, and I can not compliment it enough. The mushy peas were every average but a giant bowl. My curry sauce was lovely and perfect with a hint of spice and a massive jug that feed at least four. The wife got a Lemon sole, a giant portion of fish! It dwarfed my haddock and mine was a large piece of fish. I’m not a fan of sole, but I had a nibble and it was very meaty and well fried and cooked. The wife says it was a lovely piece of fish but mightily filling. The stottie cake was lovely which came with a lovely optional slightly salted spreadable butter.

The place was jam packed, the waitresses never ignored you for even though they were on the go in a high pressured environment, the food spectacular, a lovely experience.

Recommend? Absolutely. Hats off to the chefs and the fantastic waitresses that made this place a perfectly running ship. I hope Colman’s remembers how outstanding these ladies are at their jobs and how...

I have had the pleasure of dining at Colmans Fish and Chip restaurant on several occasions. On each occasion it has been my experience that the staff are friendly and courteous. The range of sea food is extensive, but I have always had the Cod and chips which I very much enjoy. The batter the fish is cooked in is crispy and the fish within melts in your mouth. Their chips are about the best I have had too, being crispy on the outside and soft within. On my most recent visit I was joined by my children one of whom had the fishcake from the children’s menu which he is still raving about. I myself like to have my meal with their excellent curry sauce though the usual mushy pees and baked beans etc are also offered as well as the classic salt and vinegar. As is often the case in fish and chip restaurants bread and butter is offered but Colmans offer something a bit special here in the form of traditional Newcastle bread a Stottie Cake, which for those who don’t know is a flat bread. Upon ordering we didn’t have long to wait for our meal and the children were provided with colouring sheets and crayons as is common in such restaurants. I cannot recommend Colmans highly enough it’s the best fish and chip restaurant I have ever been too and I will certainly be back the next time...