Who doesn't love the smell - never mind the taste - of fish and chips? And who remembers when it was wrapped in proper newspaper and the whiff of its ink added to the tang of salt and vinegar which for some reason whetted the appetite even further?
Ok, maybe not many people would admit to remembering that but the point is that the British staple has been an enduring favourite for generations (and it's no surprise that there is a dedicated National Fish & Chip Day). And, of course, many people stick to the tradition of eating fish rather than meat on Good Friday so we are pretty much guaranteed to see queues snaking out of our local chippies as families prepare to unwind for the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.
So this is an ideal excuse for families to treat themselves to a takeaway of that tantalising grease-spotted wrapped-up parcel of battered cod and chips - plus mushy peas and scranchings if they so choose. The meal does tend to be more of a treat these days, although at one time fish and chips was very much a cheap tea, an easy option for families when there wasn't time enough to cook. In the North East this was especially the case, with the North Sea trawl fishing industry resulting in plenty of cod.
Read more: free things to do with kids in the North East this Easter
Chronicle readers have previously shared their favourite places to buy fish and chips in the North East and the places in the list below were their favourites. Here's a reminder of the list we compiled of great chippy names and addresses based on these suggestions. As always, the advice is to check up with them ahead of a visit .
In and around Newcastle
Gills This popular fish and chip favourite was picked out for its take-out at Stack in Newcastle city centre where it has now closed, with the whole container village following suit in May but, fear not, you can check out its other local outlets here.
Fenham Fish Bar on Stamfordham Road, Fenham, NE5 3JQ
Remember the shock back in 2018 when there was a big fire at the Fenham chippy? Thankfully it had re-opened by the end of summer and received a huge welcome back. Our reviewer loved it!
Gormans Fish Shop, Byker, Denton Burn and Westerhope
There's lots of love to be had for Gormans branches on Facebook. Kristen McDougal said: "Gormans in Denton Burn. Since moving down south, can't get a proper fishcake!" And Lorraine Willis said: "Gormans at cowgate, my hubby makes a 50 mile round trip for them!"
The Gosforth Chippy , High Street, Gosforth, NE3 1HH
The Golden Chippie , 1-3 Slatyford Lane, Newcastle, NE5 2UN
North Tyneside and the coast
Bills, Victoria Crescent, Cullercoats, NE30 4PN
Amie Waugh said of Bills: "Bills' fish n chips at Cullercoats, always go there when I take the kids to the beach, lovely food."
Sidhu, Coast Way Shopping Centre, Battle Hill, Wallsend, NE28 9PA
Fast Fry chip shop, Coast Road, Wallsend, NE28 9HP
Harbour View Fish and Chip shop on Beresford Road, Seaton Sluice, NE26 4DR has many fans.
There were loads of recommendations for this place. Pauline Elliott said: "Harbour View at Seaton Sluice... it's not fish n chips you get it's whale n chips. Never tasted nothing better!"
Marshalls , Front Street, Tynemouth, NE30 4DZ - which our reviewer visited, is 80 years in business.
Bev Horton said of Marshalls: "I live in the Midlands and I come all the way home and the first place I go is Marshalls, best in the universe tried all the others no one compares."
Tynemouth is also home to Longsands Fish Kitchen - review here - and Riley's Fish Shack - a beachfront cafe where grilled fish comes with a great view, and great reviews.
Trenchers, Spanish City
The award-winning chippy opened at the famous landmark in 2018 and has been in the news pre-Covid for selling £1 cod and chips.
Pantrinis , Marine Avenue, Whitley Bay, NE26 1LX. We reviewed the takeaway which is now in its 100th year of trading.
Fisherman's Bay, East Parade, Whitley Bay, NE26 1AP
One of the newer kids on the chip block, the takeaway and restaurant opened by the sea right in time for Easter and has not been shy about making a name for itself.
Waterfront , Union Quay, North Shields, NE30 1HJ - which we reviewed.
There were also recommendations for Oceans on the North Shields Fish Quay and Crusoe's cafe on Tynemouth Longsands.
What will you be doing during the Easter holidays? Let us know in the comments below
Gateshead and South Tyneside
Jaz and Jays Fish and Chip shop, Pelaw, NE10 0QU
Colmans Fish and Chip shop on Ocean Road, South Shields, NE33 2JQ (check out our review here )
And also Colman's Sea Food Temple on Sea Road, South Shields
Green Lane Fisheries , Green Lane, South Shields
Fast Fry on Hindmarsh Road, Boldon
Gills, The Nook, South Shields
Steven Beattie also recommended Minchellas at Seaburn : "Whale n chips, plenty salt & vinegar, can of Dandelion & Burdock! Staff friendly, and serve until they not see anyone in the distance on the sea front!"
County Durham
Bells Fish and Chip Shop , Market Place, Durham, DH13NE
Stantons Fish and Chip Shop , Durham, DH1 4EY
Bells Fish and Chip Shop , Sunderland Road, Durham, DH1 2LG
Davy's Chippy in Beamish Museum, which we also reviewed.
Micky Pritchard said: "Davy's fried fish in Beamish cant be beaten! Unreal." And Karen Atkinson said: "The one at Beamish Museum!!! Made like they used to make them with beef dripping..... Mmmmmmmm."
Johnsons Fish Shop , 39 Front Street, Sacriston, Durham DH7 6JS - also uses beef dripping.
Northumberland
Broadway Chippy 8 Broadway Circle, Blyth NE24 2PG
Coastline Fish and Chip Shop in South Beach, Blyth, NE24 3PL
Claire Charlton said: "Coastline at Blyth beach, they also have a lovely ice cream parlour just next door!" We reviewed it too.
Victoria Gorman's North Seaton 6 Meadowfield, NE63 9TR
Ladhars Fish Bar , 59 Front Street, Newbiggin-by-the-Sea NE64 6NJ
Lewis' of Seahouses, 22 Main Street, Seahouses, Northumberland NE68 7RQ (read our review here)
Angel Fish, The Angel of Corbridge, Main Street, Corbridge, Northumberland, NE45 5LA
Our own hungry team have explored some of the fish and chips options around the region before the pandemic hit and here are some verdicts. Check out our panel above and extra reviews below.
But what about your own favourites? Or perhaps you think there a great place to get fish and chips that we’ve overlooked?
If you have any other suggestions, why not make them in the comments below
