Finest Fish And Chips From Around The North East

Who doesn’t love the smell – and taste – of Fish & Chips? The British staple has been a family favourite for generations and, although these days, the dish is seen as more of an occasional treat, there’s something special about getting that paper wrapped parcel while the scent of salt and vinegar fills the air. If you fancy enjoying a chippy tea, I’ve listed our favourite chip shops below.

The Canny Cod, Newcastle

Address: Cross Morpeth Street, Spital Tongues, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 4AT

Website: https://cannycod.co.uk

Telephone Number: 0191 2211664

Chips from The Canny Cod

Carlos, Alnwick

Address: 7-9 Market Street, Alnwick, NE66 1SS

Telephone Number: 01665 602787

Curry & Chips from Carlos

Colman’s, South Shields

Address: 176-186 Ocean Road, South Shields NE33 2JQ

Website: https://colmansfishandchips.co.uk

Telephone Number: 0191 4561202

Colman’s

Fenham Fish Bar, Newcastle

Address: 21 Stamfordham Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE5 3JQ

Telephone Number: 0191 2860014

Sausage & Chips from Fenham Fish Bar

Ginos, Blyth

Address: 200 Plessey Road, Blyth, NE24 3HZ

Telephone Number: 01670 353172

Fish & Chips from Ginos

Harbour Fish Bar, Amble

Address: 1 Broomhill Street, Amble, NE65 0AN

Telephone Number: 01665 710442

Harbour Fish Bar

Marshall’s, Tynemouth

Address: 33 Front Street, Tynemouth, NE30 4DZ

Telephone Number: 0191 2572435


Pantrinis, Whitley Bay

Address: 11-13 Marine Avenue, Whitley Bay, NE26 1LX

Telephone Number: 0191 2523737

Sausage & Chips from Pantrinis

Pinnacles, Seahouses

Address: 17-19 Main Street, Seahouses, NE68 7RE

Telephone Number: 01665 720708


Waterford Arms, Seaton Sluice

Address: Collywell Bay Road, Seaton Sluice, NE26 4QZ

Website: https://waterford-arms.co.uk

Telephone Number: 0191 2370450

Fish & Chips from Waterford Arms

Waterfront, North Shields

Address: 22 Union Quay, North Shields, NE30 1HJ

Telephone Number: 0191 2961721

Chips from Waterfront

The Willow Chippy, Wallsend & Walkergate

Address: 4 Willow Grove, Wallsend, NE28 6PN and 77 Coutts Road, Walkergate, NE6 4SB

Telephone Number: 0191 2623434 and 0191 2765681

Fish & Chips from Willow Chippy, Wallsend

Let me know in the comments which chip shop is your favourite.

Serving Platter Inspiration

As restrictions begin to ease and temperatures start to rise, now is the perfect time to grab a blanket and enjoy some al fresco dining. And my favourite way of serving food, platters, are a delicious alternative to the usual picnic spread. Struggling for ideas? Below are a selection of platter styles that can be created at home or ordered in through local businesses.

Afternoon Tea Platter

Afternoon Tea is a meal composed of sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, sweet pastries and cakes. This one from Monsieur Crepe Cafe has everything you’d expect from a traditional Afternoon Tea and can be ordered through https://www.facebook.com/monsieurcrepeuk/

Monsieur Crepe Cafe

Breakfast Platter

Start your day the best possible way by watching the sunrise and indulging in breakfast on the beach. This brunch box from Batch Bakery can be ordered here https://www.facebook.com/batchbakerycafe/

Batch Bakery

Charcuterie Platter

Charcuterie boards are essentially meat’s response to a cheese board. Think meats with different textures, pickles, chutney, bread and crackers. Cheese Louise creates these beauties and they can be ordered by visiting https://www.facebook.com/cheeselouise45/

Cheese Louise

Crudités Platter

Colourful vegetables and dips make for a lovely, refreshing snack. Breadsticks, falafel and nuts can be added as well.

Morrisons

Fruit Platter

An epic fruit platter is a perfect sweet treat to finish off a picnic. It adds colour and beauty plus it is so simple to make. People can choose their favorite fruit and pots of chocolate dipping sauce and yoghurt complete the platter. This fruit plate is from Newcastle Deli, http://www.newcastledeli.co.uk

Newcastle Deli

Ploughman’s Platter

A ploughman’s lunch is a cold meal based around bread, cheese and onions, usually accompanied by butter and pickles. Additional items such as ham, green salad, hard boiled eggs and fruit can also be added. This one from The Poachers Cottage is amazing! https://www.facebook.com/The-Poachers-Cottage-182678291761643/

The Poachers Cottage

Sandwich & Wrap Platter

Who doesn’t love a sandwich? Offering different breads and a variety of fillings is a guaranteed group pleaser. This one is from Cracker 4 Cheese https://www.facebook.com/Crackers_4_cheese-105952364470072/

Crackers 4 Cheese

Spicy Snacks Platter

Think pakoras, bhajis, samosas, kebabs and panipuri. The good thing about these is they’re just as delicious served cold. This selection is from the recently launched Desi Munch Box, https://instagram.com/desimunchbox

Desi Munch Box

Sushi Platter

Nigiri, sashimi, maki, temaki and uramaki – heaven for any sushi fan. The masters of sushi, Nudo, have an unreal selection on offer https://nudosushibox.com

Nudo Sushi Box

Seafood Platter

Serve the ultimate “plateau de fruits de mer” by offering prawns, langoustines, lobster, oysters, scallops, mussels, clams and crab with mignonette sauce, cocktail sauce, and lemon. Alternatively, order from The Cullercoats Fish Lass https://www.facebook.com/thecullercoatsfishlass/

The Cullercoats Fish Lass

Wondering where to enjoy eating outdoors? Check out this post which lists our favourite parks around the North East https://northeasteats.home.blog/2021/02/28/north-east-picnic-areas-with-childrens-play-parks-and-take-away-hot-drinks/

Reasons Why We Love Morrisons

A few years ago, Morrisons was hands down my least favourite supermarket. There was just *something* about their stores I didn’t like. And while the other big supermarkets moved to offer online shopping, Morrisons didn’t – they seemed to stick their head in the sand hoping the internet would disappear. This confirmed what I’d always suspected about Morrisons – it was dated and out of touch.

In recent years though, huge improvements have been taking place and Morrisons is now up there with their rivals. It’s not only me that’s noticing these positive changes, between November 2020 and January 2021, Morrisons saw better growth than any of the other ‘big four’ supermarkets, with sales up 14.3%, according to market analyst Kantar.

So, after avoiding the place for many years, below are the reasons why I now love Morrisons

Afternoon Tea

Priced at just £5 per person, in terms of value for money, I honestly don’t think this one can be beaten. You get everything you’d expect from a classic Afternoon Tea including a selection of sandwiches, pork pie, fruit scone with jam & cream and a variety of cakes. Due to current government guidelines, the cafes are open for takeaway only so, although afternoon tea can’t be enjoyed on site, you can pick one up to take home or to a local park. The afternoon teas (and everything else on their cafe menu) can be ordered via https://www.morrisons.com/cafe/splash

Morrisons Afternoon Tea For Two

Dine In Deal

A Dine In Deal to compete with the ever popular M&S meal deal, Morrisons current Dine In Deal is a main for 2, a side for 2, a dessert for 2 and a bottle of wine for only £12. It’s a perfect lockdown night in treat. Check what’s available through the offer here https://groceries.morrisons.com/offers/the-best-dine-in-for-12-1004780728

Dine In Deal

Eggs

In February 2020, Morrisons stopped selling eggs from caged chickens and now only sells free-range eggs.

No More Eggs From Caged Chickens

Food Boxes

“From essentials to occasions and surprises – there’s lots in a box!” Whether you’re ordering for yourself or to send to someone else, Morrisons have created a range of boxes to be delivered straight to yours – or someone else’s door. The range includes the cupboard essentials box, family meal box and the big night in box. Morrisons have recently added Recipe Boxes which are good alternatives to the likes of Gusto and Hello Fresh. I’m yet to try Morrisons Food Boxes but I’ve heard great things about them. Want to learn more about the boxes? https://www.morrisons.com/food-boxes/

5 Meals To Feed A Family Of 4 Box

Grocery Delivery Through Amazon Prime

Morrisons has teamed up with online giant Amazon to create a brand new way for customers to get their shopping. With a minimum spend of £15 and two hour delivery slots (usually same day but occasionally next day) Morrisons On Amazon is ideal for small top ups and essential items. Eligible Prime members can also enjoy free same-day delivery on orders over £40. We’ve used the service a few times now and I think it’s brilliant. To see if Morrisons On Amazon is operating in your area, check https://www.amazon.co.uk/alm/storefront?almBrandId=TW9ycmlzb25z

Food To Order

Morrisons Food To Order range promises to take the stress out of preparing food for your celebration by offering ready to eat platters and desserts. Simply place your order, collect and serve. Due to COVID, Morrisons Food To Order service has been temporarily suspended but if you’d like to see what they normally offer, browse here https://my.morrisons.com/foodtoorder/

Continental Platter

Too Good To Go

Morrisons customers have made use of 100,000 meals and saved 100 tonnes of food from going to waste by using the ground-breaking app, Too Good to Go, over the last year. Morrisons is the first supermarket to use the app, which is designed to prevent edible food being thrown away. For just a couple of pound, Morrisons customers can grab a box like the one pictured below. You have to be quick to get one of these as they’re always in very high demand.

Morrisons Too Good To Go

Work In The Community

Morrisons have really stepped up during the pandemic: from offering discount on groceries for key and essential workers to playing their part in the ongoing fight against food poverty, they’ve led by example and for that they should be truly proud.

Over half term, Morrisons donated 60,000 free pizza making kits to help stop hunger during the holidays

Do you enjoy shopping in Morrisons? Let me know in the comments if you’re a Morrisons fan like me.

Takeaway Afternoon Teas Currently Available In And Around The North East

From Monday, 8th March 2021, Step 1 of the governments Road Map Out Of Lockdown begins.

This means, outdoor recreation (not just exercise) with your household/support bubble or one other person is allowed. It’s not a massive change to the current guidelines but it does permit picnics. So why not grab a blanket and get yourself to your favourite park? Our favourite parks are listed here https://northeasteats.home.blog/2021/02/28/north-east-picnic-areas-with-childrens-play-parks-and-take-away-hot-drinks/

Don’t fancy cooking? Order one of these Takeaway Afternoon Teas – just don’t forget your flask and cutlery.

BECKLEBERRYS, BLAYDON

Price: £15

What’s Included: 4 bite sized fruit scones, 2 mini cheese and onion quiche, 2 mini broccoli and stilton quiche, 2 chocolate shimmer tarts, 2 bakewell tarts, 2 continental chocolate cakes, 2 mini cheesecakes, 2 banana loaf slices, 2 assorted mini delices plus one tub of clotted cream and one miniature pot of strawberry jam

How To Order: https://beckleberrys.myshopify.com

Beckleberry’s

COFFEE ON THE CORNER, LEMINGTON

Price: from £10 per person

What’s Included: sandwiches, cream scone, savoury bakes and cakes

How To Order: https://www.facebook.com/1ROKEBYSTREETNE158RR/

Coffee On The Corner

THE FRENCH OVEN

Price: £11 per person

What’s Included: a selection of sandwiches, scones, miniature savouries, brownies and cream cakes

How To Order: https://www.frenchoven.co.uk

The French Oven (2 persons)

GRANTS, CORBRIDGE

Price: £20 for one person, £35 for two

What’s Included: Afternoon Tea for one person includes a slice of ham and egg pie, slice of quiche, sausage roll, cheese scone, plain scones, chocolate truffle, raspberry and white chocolate flapjack, slice of Victoria sponge, slice of lemon drizzle and a brownie

How To Order: https://grantsbakery.co.uk

Grants

LAZY DAYZ CAFE, BLYTH

Price: from £12 per person

What’s Included: sandwich, pie, scone and cake

How To Order: https://www.facebook.com/lazydayzcafe/

Lazy Dayz Cafe (2 persons)

MONSIEUR CREPE CAFE, HIGH HEATON

Price: from £10 per person

What’s Included: sandwiches, baked goods, scone and cake

How To Order: https://www.facebook.com/monsieurcrepeuk/

Monsieur Crepe (2 persons)

OLIVE & BEAN, NEWCASTLE

Price: £16 per person

What’s Included: a delicious selection of sweet and savoury treats

How To Order: https://www.oliveandbean.co.uk

Olive & Bean

RUNNING FOX, MORPETH

Price: from £15.50 per person

What’s Included: a sandwich, scone and two gorgeous cakes

How To Order: https://runningfoxbakery.co.uk

Running Fox (2 persons)

1901 CAFFE BISTRO

Price: £30 for two

What’s Included: sandwiches, scones, cakes and biscuits

How To Order: https://1901caffe.co.uk

1901 Caffe

MORRISONS CAFE

Price: I’m all for supporting local so wouldn’t normally include supermarkets in my posts but this one is an absolute bargain at £5 per person

What’s Included: a selection of sandwiches, pork pie, fruit scone and cakes

How To Order: https://www.morrisons.com/cafe/splash

Morrisons (2 persons)

Have you treated yourself to a takeaway afternoon tea during lockdown? Let me know in the comments where

Best Of The Best Street Food Pop Ups Currently Travelling Around The North East

The North East’s Street Food Scene has exploded over the last 12 months. As COVID forced hospitality venues to temporarily close their doors to the public, the pop up world was allowed to continue trading (with strict ordering and collection guidelines in place) and their popularity is currently booming. As pop ups continue to satisfy curious diners, here’s our favourites who you should definitely check out if they’re serving in your local area:

Acropolis

The undisputed masters when it comes to authentic Greek Food, Acropolis was established in 2016 and has gone from strength to strength. Their award winning menu offers platters, wraps and sides. The tzatziki is amazing!

Keep up to date with Acropolis by following their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/acropolisstreetfood/


Impeccable Pig Van

From Sedgefield’s Impeccable Pig Restaurant comes the Pig Van. Serving BBQ pulled pork, beef burgers, bean burgers, french fries, spicy coleslaw and mustard mayo – it’s all piggin’ lush!

Keep up to date with Impeccable Pig by following their Facebook page https://m.facebook.com/TheImpeccablePigRestaurantandRooms/


La Cabina

Offering Neapolitan wood fired pizzas, these are the best I’ve tasted.

Keep up at date with La Cabina by following their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/LaCabina01/


Meat:Stack

Real American cheeseburgers smashed on the grill, steamed and served fast. Delicious.

Meat:Stack are also currently offering Cook-At-Home Burger Kits, read about them here https://northeasteats.home.blog/2021/01/23/child-friendly-cook-at-home-kits/

Keep up to date with Meat:Stack by following their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/meatstackncl/


Monroes

An airstream style food truck bringing steak sandwiches, poutine, blooming onions and beignets to Newcastle and Northumberland.

Keep up to date with Monroes by following their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/monroesNCL/

Image from Monroe’s Insta Page

Posh Street Food by Matei Baran

Matei, a quarter finalist on 2016’s Master Chef Professionals, is serving up insane BBQ street food.

Keep up to date with Matei Baran by following his Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/chefmateibaran/

Image from Chef Matei Baran’s Insta Page

Parm-O-Rama

Usually reserved for the residents of Middlesbrough, Parm-O-Rama is bringing the perfect Parmesan to the streets of the North East. Chicken, béchamel sauce and cheese, this Boro delicacy is super tasty.

Keep up to date with Parm-O-Rama by following their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/parmorama/

Image from Parm-O-Rama’s Insta Page

RedHeads

Serving deliciously good Mac ‘n’ Cheese, wings, crispy fried chicken and fries.

Keep up to date with RedHead’s by following their Facebook page https://m.facebook.com/redheadsmacncheese/

Image from RedHead’s Insta Page

Twisted Chick

Specialising in Nashville style buttermilk fried chicken, Twisted Chick are not to be missed.

Keep up to date with Twisted Chick by following their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/twistedchick1/

Image from Twisted Chick’s Insta Page

Very Peri Peri

As the name suggests, everything on the menu is Peri Peri style.

Keep up to date with Very Peri Peri by following their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Very-peri-peri-112357670157793/

Image from Very Peri Peri’s Insta Page

If these, or any other Street Food Pop Ups, are serving in your local area, please follow the COVID secure guidelines the vendors have in place, adhering to these rules will ensure the success of future events.

Who are your favourite Street Food Pop Ups? Let me know in the comments.

McDonalds Inspired Double Sausage & Egg Muffin Meal

Easy peasy McDonald’s inspired Double Sausage and Egg Muffin Meal recipe. You’ll be amazed how similar these taste to the real thing.

INGREDIENTS (to make 4)

– 8 Cumberland Sausages

– 4 Eggs

– 4 Cheese Slices

– 4 English Muffins

– 4 Frozen Hash Browns

METHOD

1) Put the hash browns in the toaster (yup, you can cook hash browns in the toaster) They’ll need a couple of pops but they come out super crispy.

2) Remove the skin from the sausages and flatten in to patties.

3) Fry the pork patties with a little bit of oil on a low heat. Each side will take 5-6 mins.

4) Swap the cooked hash browns with the muffins and lightly toast them.

5) Once the patties are cooked, fry your eggs. I use egg rings but that’s purely so they come out nice and round, they’re not necessary.

6) Assembly time – muffin, cheese, pattie, pattie, egg, muffin is the official order but feel free to throw it together any way you like.

7) Serve with a hash brown and a coffee (mmmm sounds optional).

Why I think these are better than the real deal…

• The price. I spent £6-£7 on the ingredients to make these four. One meal from McDonald’s is £4.19.

• Time – our local McDonald’s is a 9-10 mins drive away and there’s *always* a queue. Plus, I don’t need to get washed and dressed to enjoy the homemade ones.

• Runny yolks. I like to keep my yolks running when making these.

Drawbacks…

• McDonalds hash browns are hard to beat. It’s the deep fried goodness.

• You actually have to cook

Like the hash brown hack? Check out this post of my favourite kitchen shortcuts https://northeasteats.home.blog/2021/01/12/the-best-kitchen-hacks-i-ever-learnt/

Celebrating Pancake Day

The more recognisable name for Shrove Tuesday, Pancake Day marks the start of the build-up to Easter. It is the day before Ash Wednesday (the start of Lent) and, traditionally, pancakes are made to use up foods usually given up for the 40 day fast. This year, Pancake Day falls on the 16th February.

PANCAKE RECIPE (3, 2, 1 Method)

A foolproof crêpe recipe that ensures perfectly flippable pancakes every time.

Ingredients

– 300ml Milk

– 2 Eggs

– 100g Plain Flour

Method

1. Combine all of the ingredients together and whisk to form a smooth batter.

2. Set a frying pan over a low-medium heat with a little bit of oil.

3. Pour the batter in to the pan, enough so the bottom of the pan is covered in a thin layer.

4. Leave the pancake to cook. About 2 mins per side or until golden and cooked through.

5. Remove from the pan and serve with your favourite toppings.

TOP TIPS

Use a good, non-stick pan. We’ve recent updated our pans to a Scoville NeverStick set and a decent pan makes a huge difference.

If you can, let your batter rest at room temperature for 30 mins before using.

When attempting the flip, use a fish slice to carefully ease the edges of the pancake away from the pan. If this step is a bit of a struggle, leave the pancake to cook a little longer.

TOPPING IDEAS

Some of our favourites are

• Lemon & Sugar

• Nutella

• Caramelised Banana & Syrup

• Biscoff

• Strawberries & Squirty Cream

• Cinnamon Sugar

• Icecream

• Mango & Yoghurt

• Golden Syrup

• As you can see, we prefer sweet toppings. However, using pancakes instead of pasta in Cannelloni is a game changer.

Whether you’re enjoying Pancake Day as one last blow out before Lent or just because, have a flippin’ great day!

How To Cook The Best Roast Potatoes

Guaranteed crispy skins and fluffy insides.

INGREDIENTS

– 1kg Potatoes (Maris Piper or King Edwards)

– 100ml Oil

METHOD

1. Pour the oil in to a roasting tray and pop it in to the oven (Gas Mark 6 or equivalent).

2. Cut each unpeeled potato in to 2 or 3 pieces.

3. Add the potato chunks in to a pan of water and put on to boil.

4. Once the potatoes are on a rolling boil, turn the heat down so the water is simmering. Leave the potatoes to cook for another 6-7 mins.

5. Remove the pan from the heat and drain the potatoes. Pop the potatoes back in to the empty pan and add the lid. Shake the potatoes vigorously, hard enough to remove the potato skin (I love this method because it saves peeling them, thank you TikTok for the tip).

6. Carefully, take the hot oiled tray from the oven and add the potatoes in. They will sizzle as you add them. Turn the potatoes so they are evenly coated with oil.

7. Roast the potatoes for 20-25 mins then turn them over.

8. Roast them for a further 20-25 mins or until they achieve a golden brown colour.

9. Remove from the oven and place the roast potatoes on kitchen roll.

10. Season with salt and serve.

Cooking a roast dinner? For perfect Yorkshire Puddings follow my method posted here https://northeasteats.home.blog/2021/02/07/perfect-yorkshire-puddings/

Old School Australian Crunch Recipe

Chocolate, coconut and crushed cornflakes – delish!

INGREDIENTS

– 200g Butter

– 100g Caster Sugar

– 80g Desiccated Coconut

– 80g Crushed Cornflakes

– 150g SR Flour

– 3 tbsp Golden Syrup

– 2 tbsp Cocoa

– 200g Milk Chocolate

METHOD

1. Preheat the oven to Gas 4 or equivalent.

2. Melt the butter in a large saucepan.

3. Add in the caster sugar, coconut, flour, golden syrup and cocoa. Mix until combined.

4. Add the cornflakes and mix until they’re completely coated.

5. Pour the mixture in to a lined tray and press down firmly.

6. Bake for 15-20 mins.

7. Remove from the oven and leave to cool.

8. Melt the chocolate and cover the slice with it. Allow the chocolate to set before slicing. Our school always cut Australian Crunch in to triangles.

Old School Jam Roly Poly Recipe

The ultimate comfort food pudding

INGREDIENTS

– 200g SR Flour

– 100g Shredded Suet

– 1 tbsp Caster Sugar

– 150ml Milk

– 7/8 tbsp Strawberry Jam

METHOD

1. Preheat the oven to Gas Mark 5 or equivalent.

2. In a bowl, combine the flour, suet and sugar.

3. Slowly, stir in the milk to form a soft dough.

4. On a floured surface, knead the dough for a few minutes.

5. Roll the dough out in to a 20cm x 30cm rectangle.

6. Spread the jam on to the dough.

7. Roll the dough up from one of the shorter sides.

8. Place the roll on to a sheet of greaseproof paper, seam-side down, and wrap the paper tightly around the pudding, twisting the ends to secure.

9. Repeat the process with a sheet of kitchen foil.

10. Place the pudding on to a roasting rack with water in the tin below.

11. Cook for 35-40 mins.

12. Remove from the oven and unwrap. The pudding should be lightly browned in places.

13. Cut in to think slices and serve.