As an avowed fan of the wonderfully-named 'Colmans Seafood Temple' in South Shields, I was enormously excited to learn of their latest venture.
The iconic seafood restaurant has now partnered with Fenwick Newcastle, the latest in a string of food hall collaborations, which also comes hot on the heels of their 100th anniversary celebrations, last year.
Inkeeping with this, its menu is primarily a paean to the nations’ favourite dish (with many modern inflections), bringing nostalgic seafood memories to the city’s best-loved department store.
I had the pleasure of visiting mid-week lunchtime and was left hugely impressed. It’s remarkable to think that just six weeks after owner Richard Colman Ord’s first meeting with Fenwick, this new outpost was up and running.
Inside, this buzzy bistro is at once, elegant and atmospheric, with various maritime bric-a-brac setting the scene. Wafts of freshly caught seafood pervade the air and really get the digestive juices flowing.
The memory wall, showcasing famous visitors to Colmans’ Seafood Temple, is a fascinating highlight featuring famous faces like Sting, James Corden and Steve Cram.
Keen on eking out the final drops of Lisa’s birthday weekend celebrations, we kicked off with a lovely bottle of Picpoul de Pinet which complemented the food to follow perfectly.
As expected, it was to be a masterclass in seafood. I opted for the classic fish and chips, a dish that has defined Colmans for generations. The batter was crisp, golden, and perfectly light, encasing flaky, fresh fish that melted in the mouth from first to final forkful.
Paired with chunky, hand-cut chips, it was everything you’d want from a traditional British chippy-elevated to true restaurant quality.
To begin, I also tried the king prawn taco, a neat fusion of seafood and spicing. The prawns were succulent and well-seasoned, complemented by a fresh slaw and a tangy sauce that added just the right amount of kick for this unabashed chilli fiend.
Across the table, Lisa kicked off with the prawn cocktail, a timeless classic that Colmans does flawlessly. The juicy prawns, crisp lettuce, and creamy Marie Rose sauce made for a refreshing and nostalgic appetiser, which was artfully presented on a grand seashell.
For her main, Lisa chose the grilled salmon supreme, beautifully cooked in a lemon and garlic butter with a delicate balance of flavours that highlighted the fish’s natural richness.
Of course, with food this hearty and homespun, it wouldn’t be the same without some famous Northern hospitality. One of Colmans’ greatest strengths is its service. The staff are knowledgeable, friendly and genuinely passionate about the food they serve.
The atmosphere is lively yet relaxed, making it an ideal spot for a casual lunch, a celebratory meal, or a quick bite between shopping trips.
Whether you’re craving classic fish and chips or something a little more adventurous, Colmans delivers an experience that is both nostalgic and exciting.
A real catch.
For more information, visit www.fenwick.co.uk/pages/colmans-atfenwick-newcastle