We’re sure you don’t need an excuse for a chippy tea, but National Fish and Chip Day on Friday 2nd June will provide you with one anyway! The iconic British dish remains a firm favourite, and there are plenty of places in Newcastle to grab a meal – some who lovingly create the traditional fish supper, and others who provide some interesting alternatives. Here’s a few options that we’re certain you’ll fall for hook, line and sinker! (Sorry...)
Clayton Street Chippy, Clayton Street
It doesn’t get much more traditional than this! Classic battered cod, a mountain of cooked-to-perfection chips, plus a host of the staples you’d expect from a traditional take-away like battered sausage, burgers, cheese patties and pies. Don’t forget lashings of salt and vinegar, it’s the only way....you can almost smell them now can’t you?
Image: Saltwater Fish Company at Fenwick
Saltwater Fish Company, Fenwick
If battered and fried isn’t your bag, or you fancy going upmarket for this most special of days, Saltwater Fish Company in Fenwick’s Food Hall provide some delicious alternatives. Designed for seafood lovers, their produce is available to both take home or eat at their 16 seat counter, offering casual seafood dining paired with fish-friendly champagnes and wine. Expect French-style fruits de Mer platters, hand-dived scallops, Dorset crab, monkfish cheeks, oysters, a well-stocked wet fish selection and a great range of shellfish, with the majority of their produce sourced from boats working the North East coastline. Plus, from Monday to Friday they offer an oyster happy hour between 3pm and 5pm at just £1.50 per shuck!
The Quayside, Close
Wetherspoons is a great option for a pocket-friendly sit-down meal, and their food menu offers up freshly battered cod or haddock served with chips and peas (mushy or whole). There’s also Whitby scampi on the menu if you’re after something different, and don’t forget the curry sauce! Their Fish Fridays deals mean you’ll grab a bargain too.
The Broad Chare, Broad Chare
This lovely pub next door to the fantastic Live Theatre offers a warm welcome and fresh, honest food served in comfortable surroundings. For a full-on meal, go for the smoked haddock fishcakes with tartare sauce and herb salad, and consider pairing it with one of their seasonal beers. For those with more exotic fishy tastes, there are also Cumbrae oysters, monkfish cheeks, local crab salad and cured mackerel with beetroot and dill on their extensive menu.
Image: Lindsay Bros
Lindsay Bros, Grainger Market
Don’t fancy eating out? Get the finest and freshest ingredients to create your own meal at home from the Grainger Market, with family-run fishmongers Lindsay Bros - your first stop for the main dish. Established in 1936, the revered fishmongers select the best quality produce every day for their shop, offering a range of fish, shellfish and freshwater fish from the UK and Europe. Why not try Craster kippers, some wild sea bass or locally caught herring?
Hibou Blanc, High Bridge
If you’re looking for a classy meal in luxurious surroundings, the beautiful Hibou Blanc is located in a Grade II-listed building which oozes style and glamour. Head chef Neil Jefferson uses only the best seasonal produce from the local area, meaning you can expect to find new favourites on every visit. Choose from classy plates including salmon with hot tartare hollandaise, English asparagus and potato croquette and Dover sole meuniére with brown shrimp, capers, lemon, parsley and buttered jersey royals. While you’re here, you may as well kick off with a starter of Lindisfarne oysters or shellfish cocktail with baby gem lettuce, avocado and Marie Rose sauce. Delicious!
Aruna, Sandhill
A newcomer to Newcastle's culinary scene, Aruna is a chic yet laidback joint offering New Orleans-style ambience and delicious Creole seafood and southern U.S. soul food. Pescatarians will be more than pleased by their menu which features a selection of sushi, a couple of seafood taco options (choose from shrimp or monkfish) and mouth-watering mains like king crab leg with fish roe and tarragon mayo, locally sourced lobster tail served with garlicc herb butter and Cajun salmon with sauteed potatoes, poached egg, aspargus and hollandaise dressing. Several fish tapas dishes are available too including tuna ceviche, mussels and Louisiana crab cake.
Image: City Tavern's fish and chips
City Tavern, Northumberland Road
Proud to be a ‘food pub’, which takes care and attention over everything on their extensive menu, City Tavern makes for a great dining option for those looking for vegan or gluten free options. Their fish is cooked in gluten-free beer batter, with a veggie-friendly option made with halloumi cheese, both served with hand-cut chips, mushy peas and homemade tartare sauce. They dish up plenty other seafood dishes too - from fish tacos and pan-fried hake to moules frites and salt and chilli squid.
George's Fish Shack, Eldon Square
As its name suggests, George's Fish Shack is heaven for lovers of seafood and the perfect place (or plaice?!) to head on National Fish and Chip Day. Go traditional with battered haddock or cod served with house chips or opt for something a little fancier - how does a starter of scorched mackerel with sweet picked fennel or a main of spiced roast monkfish whet your appetite?
So, no matter how you choose to celebrate one of the nation’s favourite meals, there’s a perfect option for you in Newcastle. Dive in!
