Bells fish and chips opens new chippy in Seaham's old Barclays bank

The company’s sixth outlet opened in Seaham, following in the footsteps of successful venues in Durham City, Framwellgate Moor and the Team Valley – among others.

The latest restaurant and takeaway is housed in the former Barclays Bank on North Terrace in Seaham with spectacular views looking out to the North Sea.

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The business has made a million-pound investment in the site which offers fish and chips cooked in the traditional way - in beef dripping - with fish from sustainable sources alongside gluten free and vegetarian options including homemade "patties".

The new restaurant is miles away from the former Barclays branch which previously occupied the building in Seaham, (Image: PR)

Bells has paid homage to Seaham’s rich mining heritage in the decor including a prop pit wheel that was used in the production of Brassed Off at Durham's Gala Theatre.

The “chaldron wagon” at the servery was commissioned by Howard Stafford of Houghton-le-Spring. A chaldron wagon is a tool to measure coal that was used throughout the North East from the 13th to the 19th centuries.

The interiors pay homage to Seaham's rich mining heritage (Image: PR)

The serving hatch (Image: PR)

Managing director Graham Kennedy, a former chef who opened his first fish and chip shop aged 20 in Pittington, County Durham said: “We're delighted to be opening in Seaham.

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“We take great pride in serving top class fish and chips in a top class environment.

Managing Director Graham Kennedy pictured with a plate of fish and chips. (Image: PR)

“It's taken a lot of hard work and significant investment to get to this point - we're looking forward to welcoming people from Seaham and beyond, we appreciate how much of an attractive place to visit Seaham is and we're thrilled to be part of the offer here.

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“We wanted to reflect the mining heritage of not just Seaham but of this part of the North East - as the son, nephew and son-in-law of miners this is something I'm particularly proud of.”

Graham is supported in business and in life by his wife Alleson, a director, and their daughter Eve who runs the social media accounts for the brand.

Sunderland player Aji Alese attended the opening - but opted for poached salmon with salad. (Image: PR)

Sunderland footballer Aji Alese attended the opening on Tuesday, opting for a less traditional poached salmon fillet and salad.