THE Northern Echo has now launched its Best Chippy 2024 competition - and your favourite chippy needs your support!
Each week, we will be featuring one of our ten finalists - and today we highlight Cockerton Fisheries, in 311 Woodland Road, Darlington.
Cockerton Fisheries has been in owner Sam Todd's family for more than 30 years, after she took it over from her dad eight years ago upon his retirement.
She said: "When I was 15 I worked at Mowden and Cockerton Fisheries, which I loved.
"Then Cockerton Fisheries was put up for sale as a good business and my dad bought it, even though he was a mechanic. He worked out the back and had it for five years, and he retired eight years ago and I took it on.
"I have never looked back, I just love it. I worked all through Covid too. We closed the door off to the shop and the queue went all around the village from 11am until 7pm.
"In the summer it was fine but in the winter we had people queuing in the rain and snow so we put heaters outside the shop to try and keep people warm.
"We have a lot of older customers, and some who couldn't get out, so during Covid I started to deliver to them every week, and I’ve kept that going even now.
"They don’t have to ring up and order, we just keep it going each week, and I even go in and get it on a plate for them."
Sam said the secret to her delicious fish and chips is all about the quality produce.
She said: "We pick the best potatoes, using local farmers. You can buy cheaper batches but they are rubbish. I’ve got some local lads who come in after school and scrub and chip them for me every night.
"Our fish is from Collins, it’s Icelandic frozen and it’s just the best. We do all the preparation ourselves, you need to know we are being consistent."
Opening times:
Friday: 11.15 am to 1.30 pm; 4pm to 8 pm
Saturday: 11.15 am to 6.30 pm
Sunday: Closed
Monday to Thursday: 11.15 am to 1.30 pm, 4pm to 7 pm
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