Famous faces from across the worlds of sport, TV and comedy mixed with foodie influencers
and members of the media as one of Newcastle’s most talked about restaurants finally
opened its doors for the first time.
Colmans Fish & Chips started serving the nation’s favourite to the public this week after
revealing its partnership with world famous department store Fenwick earlier this month.
And a host of celebrities joined friends and family for a sneak peak at the South Shields
institution’s first foray north of the Tyne — 24 hours before the restaurant’s official opening.
Former 1,500m world champion Steve Cram rubbed shoulders with ex-England cricketer
Ryan Sidebottom, while award-winning comedian Chris Ramsey enjoyed a catch-up with TV
presenter Steph McGovern — fresh from scooping £125,000 for charity in February’s Who
Wants To Be A Millionaire: Celebrity Edition.
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness was on hand to help celebrate the much talked about
regional collaboration while influencers including breakout US TikTok star Kalani Ghost
Hunter caught all of the action on camera.
“We’re really happy with how the new restaurant looks and it’s been amazing to work with
the team at Fenwick to bring our vision to life,” said Richard Colman, Director at Colmans
Fish & Chips.
“We’ve had so much encouragement from both sides of the river ever since we announced
the partnership and that means a lot.
“We couldn’t have done any of this without the support of our family and friends and it was
fantastic to finally be able to show them the fruits of our labours and celebrate what’s
another exciting step on the Colmans journey.
“We’re also so lucky to be surrounded by people who are passionate about their work and
determined to make this partnership with Fenwick a huge success.”
If Colmans’ award-winning fish and chips — with sides of mushy peas, curry sauce and
scraps — were the centrepiece of a mouthwatering launch menu then there was plenty more
on offer for VIP guests.
Sharing plates included Spam hash browns, mushy pea fritters and three cheese croquettes
as Dominic Colman, Richard’s brother, stayed true to his pledge to serve up a fresh twist on
the traditional fish and chip menu at the family run business’s flagship Newcastle restaurant.
A fabulous refit brings a touch of the coast to Fenwick with seaside shades of blue, portholes
and an intricate rope wall reflecting the firm’s rich heritage at the heart of the North East’s
fishing industry. Archive images line one wall while a gallery of famous faces who’ve visited
Colmans’ Ocean Road restaurant greets diners as they arrive.
Colmans Fish & Chips at Fenwick is open from Monday to Saturday 11.30am-6.30pm and
Sunday from 11.30am-4.30pm. Last reservations are 90 minutes before closing. Visit the
Fenwick website to book.
