A fish and chip shop in the North East has been named among the very best in Britain by The Times, thanks to one of its “secret ingredients”.

Located in South Shields, one of its popular “stunning” dishes is said to be “worth every penny” according to one local - but which fish and chip shop is it?

The Times said about its new chippy list: “Our annual best beaches special is the result of a 5,583-mile drive around the UK.

“Hundreds of beaches are examined to find what we deem the best in the country. It’s hungry work, and on the coast the only fuel is fish and chips.”

It added: “In these superior chippies, a fish supper often comes with various regional accompaniments: the black pudding fritter, the deep-fried oyster, the battered haggis, and the poor man’s caviar — aka deep-fried cod roe.

“There’s clearly more to a fish supper than cod and chips, and the following is our selection of the best places to tuck in.”

You can see all 23 of Britain’s best fish and chip shops here.

Why did The Times name Colmans among best fish and chip shops?

Colmans Fish and Chip Shop was indeed featured in the publisher’s best-of chippy guide and was praised for its “finesse”.

Is this your go-to fish and chip order?Is this your go-to fish and chip order? (Image: Tripadvisor)

The Times wrote: “How somewhere so special — even downright posh — can be so affordable is just one of Colmans’ secret ingredients.

“In the restaurant — within a stunning seafront art deco pavilion — they serve local Lindisfarne oysters, crab salad, lemon sole and lobster (mains from £13), while the takeaway outlet wraps up haddock, fishcakes, even prawn tacos with the sense of occasion that fish suppers truly deserve.

“Such fish-and-chip finesse should come as no surprise really, considering Colmans was established in 1926 and is into its fourth generation of family ownership.”

On Tripadvisor, customers who have visited Colmans seem to agree it’s one of the best fish and chip shops and have given it a 4.5/5 rating from 1,804 reviews.

@rebbeebee18 Come with us to one of the best seafood restaurants in the North East of England - Colmans Seafood Temple! Can’t believe this was the first time id ever been here after hearing people rave about it for so long. The fish and chips here were fantastic and we’ll definitely be back. Have you been here before? #southshields #northeastengland #geordie #toontok #newcastleupontyne #ukfood #ukfoodie #ukfoodieblogger #newcastlelass #southshieldsbeach #newcastletiktok ♬ Vlog Video work Fashionable BGM(847726) - Tsuyoshi_san

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One said: “I’ve visited this fish restaurant several times over the years and have always enjoyed my food . Every time I visit I order either the cod or scampi, today however I decided to pay a little extra and order the Coleman’s hand made scampi and I’m absolutely delighted that I did. This dish it stunning and worth every penny and more. I cannot recommend this dish enough.”

Another posted: “Love love love this place. We have been coming to Colman's for over 20 years. Live in the North East and these are by far the best fish and chips in the North East. Both this one and the Seafood temple serve delicious food, huge portions and also offer friendly welcoming service. Can't beat Comans!!!! X”

Colmans Fish and Chips is located at 176-186 Ocean Road, South Shields, NE33 2JQ.