If you really want to take it easy this Bank Holiday step away from the kitchen and get someone else to do the cooking.

While May Day is celebrated in many countries across the world, few celebrations evoke such a sense of Britishness than dancing round the maypole and crowning the Queen of the May.

With that in mind, a very British supper of fish and chips would make for a fitting feast at the end of the day – but which restaurant to go to?

We’ve turned to Tripadvisor to see which places serving up a chippy tea in Darlington have scored most highly from customer reviews, to make sure your long weekend isn’t spoiled by cold cod, imperfect plaice, or horrid haddock.


Every Bank Holiday in 2022


READ MORE: School holidays and Bank Holidays 2022 for England and Wales

READ MORE: The top 6 restaurants in and around Darlington according to TripAdvisor


The Fox Hole

The Northern Echo: Fish and chips at The Fox Hole in Darlington. Picture: TripadvisorFish and chips at The Fox Hole in Darlington. Picture: Tripadvisor

Where: Piercebridge, Darlington DL2 3SJ

Tripadvisor rating: 4/5

Number of 'excellent' reviews: 347

One customer wrote: "Looking for somewhere to have lunch while travelling over to Teesside, drove into Piercebridge looking for a pub and did we fund a lovely one!

"Food was 5 star, staff so friendly and polite, might have to make a special trip back."

The Talbot

The Northern Echo: Fish and chips at The Talbot in Darlington. Picture: TripadvisorFish and chips at The Talbot in Darlington. Picture: Tripadvisor

Where: The Green, Bishopton, Darlington TS21 1HE

Tripadvisor rating: 4.5/5

Number of 'excellent' reviews: 289

One customer wrote: "We had a lovely Sunday lunch here. Lots of vegetables in separate dishes and extra gravy. The beef and lamb were very good could not fault the meal or the service. Didn’t have to wait too long for our meal and drinks order was taken straight away.

"We enjoyed it so much we returned for lunch through the week were we had fish and chips with mushy peas the best fish and chips we have had in a long time.

"Would highly recommend the Talbot and its lovely and clean too."

The Otter and Fish

The Northern Echo: Fish and chips at The Otter and Fish in Darlington. Picture: TripadvisorFish and chips at The Otter and Fish in Darlington. Picture: Tripadvisor

Where: 1 Strait Lane, Hurworth-on-Tees, Darlington DL2 2AH

Tripadvisor rating: 4.5/5

Number of 'excellent' reviews: 745

One customer wrote: "Excellent food, service and atmosphere at The Otter and Fish!

"Catered brilliantly to my gluten free needs, with almost all menu items adaptable to gluten free requirements, prevention of cross contamination was also explained really well by the staff.

"Good value and really tasty food. Very friendly service, will definitely return next time I am in the area!"

Burtree Inn

Where: Burtree Lane, Darlington DL2 2XZ

Tripadvisor rating: 4/5

Number of 'excellent' reviews: 273

One customer wrote: "We always enjoy the meals at The Burtree as they are home cooked and value for money.

"We had lightly battered haddock with mushy peas and chips and chicken Maryland.

"The haddock was the best fish I've tasted and the whole meal was delicious. My husband always enjoys his chicken Maryland."

The Woollen Mill

Where: Feethams, Darlington DL1 5RD

Tripadvisor rating: 4/5

Number of 'excellent' reviews: 205

One customer wrote: "Visited the Woollen Mill this weekend with my partner.

"We both order the fish and chips which were very plentiful and delicious too.

"The service was very quick and the waiter was really friendly. I will be returning and recommending to everyone I know!"