The Northern Echo Best Chippy nominee: Middleton-in-Teesdale Chip Shop

Each week, we will be featuring one of our ten finalists, starting with Middleton-in-Teesdale Chip Shop, 49 Market Place, Middleton in Teesdale.

Run for the last 12 years by Lydia Sunter and her family, they are as well known for their delicious fish and chips as they are for their perfect homemade pies.

Lydia said: "My brother David and I took on the shop 12 years as a joint venture. I hadn't long finished university, so it was something very new for me. 

Lydia Sunter from Middleton-in-Teesdale Fish & Chip Shop (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

"My brother had worked in farming but was looking at taking over a fish and chip shop. We found this place when it wasn't doing very well, but we decided to take it on together and we haven't looked back. 

"It was quite exciting and nerve-wracking at the time. We wanted everything to be just right and good quality."

They certainly achieved their objective, having recently been crowned champions at the British Pie Awards for their homemade pies.

Lydia said: "My brother David has now gone back into farming, but we use his beef in the pies so we know it is the best quality.

"We use beef dripping for our fish, which gives it an exceptional flavour. We also use the best quality potatoes for our chips, and Icelandic cod and haddock, which is the best you can get.

"I know run the shop with my partner Jonathan and we have a good team working with us.

"We’ve now got a mobile fish and chip trailer and have started doing events and weddings, which has been really good."

To vote for Middleton-in-Teesdale Chip Shop, pick up a copy of The Northern Echo for the voting slip inside.

Opening hours:

Friday to Saturday: 11.30am to 2pm; 4pm to 8pm

Closed Sunday and Monday

Tuesday: 11.30am to 2pm; 4.30pm to 7.30pm

Wednesday to Thursday: 4.30pm to 7.30pm