Family, tradition and a timeless experience are at the heart of an exciting new partnership set to shake up Newcastle’s buoyant hospitality scene.
Two North East founded family businesses are joining forces to bring award-winning fish and chips to the city centre.
And Colmans Fish and Chips and Fenwick are promising to serve up a fresh take on the nation’s favourite dish when their new restaurant opens at Fenwick Newcastle from March 20.
“Just like fish and chips, Fenwick is associated with family, tradition and timeless experiences,” says Richard Colman, Director at Colmans Fish and Chips.
“We see so many generations enjoying priceless family time at Colmans — parents, children and grandchildren — and it’s always been the same at Fenwick.
“Last year was the first time I got to take my son to see the Christmas window and it’s moments like that which remain with families forever.
“We want Colmans Fish and Chips to become part of a special Fenwick experience that’s synonymous with growing up in the North East.”
The Colmans Family who are opening Colmans Fish & Chips at Fenwick
Colmans Fish and Chips is beloved of big-name fans and families alike and earlier this year Gavin and Stacey star James Corden was the latest A-Lister to rub shoulders with staff and regulars at the family’s Ocean Road restaurant.
Fenwick has long been the go-to department store for the North East’s most discerning shoppers and adding the region’s favourite fish and chips to an already mouthwatering food offering is sure to tickle the taste buds of customers through an exciting new take on locally sourced food matched with quality customer experience.
Kieran McBride, Store Director at Fenwick, added “We are delighted to partner with fellow North East founded family brand Colmans to launch Colmans Fish and 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’ll be 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 will be 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 and 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 will be 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’re going to take those elements and make them into cool, trendy sides.
“We’re partnering with local independents like Geordie Bangers for a bespoke battered sausage and Chris Eagle at Great North Provisions for a really good pie.
“We’ll also have some great grilled and gluten free options too for those who aren’t feeling the fried choices.”
Colmans Fish and Chips at Fenwick Newcastle opens to the public on March 20 with many of the seafood firm’s biggest fans set to gather for a private VIP launch the previous night.
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