With my Dads birthday just around the corner, there seemed no better way to celebrate than a family meal down the coast, and Colmans Seafood Temple proved the perfect place.
Part of the family owned Colmans brand, which has famously served fish & chips to its loyal customers since 1926, Colmans Seafood Temple offers a sophisticated extension to the original business. Situated in a prime location on the South Shields promenade, we thought we would make a day of it with numerous pubs and bars available within walking distance to enjoy before or after your visit.
After an obligatory livener, we soon arrived at Colmans and were instantly impressed by the venues atmosphere. Whilst the supplementary cocktail & oyster bar oozes sophistication, the restaurant itself offers a light and airy feel promoting feelings of comfort and relaxation. With minimal décor highlighting subtle nautical features, Colmans allows the panoramic views to assume centre stage, with floor to ceiling windows showcasing the delightful North East coast. Complemented by a fish & chip takeaway, the venue really does offer it all.
Colmans adopts an innovative approach to coastal cuisine with a unique plethora of dishes sourced from local fishermen. With much seasonal produce on offer, the restaurant provides everything ranging from classic fish & chips to more adventurous seafood dishes. Theres a strong emphasis on charity with great support and care devoted to the sustainability of the seafood industry and the environment.
Immersing ourselves in the beautiful views, we decided to kick off proceedings with a delicious bottle (or two) of dry rosé wine before the arrival of our starters. My Mum first opted for the crispy fish goujons accompanied by a piquant tartare sauce, whilst my Dad enjoyed the delectable crab cakes soaked in a zingy curry mayo. Meanwhile, I savoured the grilled tiger prawns with delicious garlic butter, which mopped up nicely with a slab of crusty bread. Washed down with yet more rosé, the starters certainly hit the spot and enthused us for the culinary delights that were still in store.
Eager to sample the restaurants traditional fish & chip offering, I then tasted prime cod coated in Colmans famous batter, which I greedily drenched in a hearty portion of chip shop curry sauce. My Dad instead polished off the succulent salmon teriyaki, an aromatic dish accompanied by stir-fried Asian vegetables and sticky jasmine rice, whilst my Mum was delighted by the salmon and crab salad. A heavenly fusion of smoked salmon and local crab, the dish was embellished by an exquisite new potato and fennel salad. Both courses offered an explosion of flavours, making it clear that Colmans only provides the freshest and finest ingredients.
Feeling satisfied, we unfortunately had to swerve the restaurants selection of tantalising desserts and sweet treats in favour of coffees and liqueurs. This, however, proved a fitting end to the delightful afternoon we had spent at Colmans.
Having enjoyed a birthday treat to remember, its easy to see why Colmans has thrilled customers for generations, and the seafood temple itself is certainly no exception. With inventive cooking and impeccable service throughout, Colmans really does cater for all, whether youre simply enjoying a day at the beach or looking to celebrate a special occasion like us. All in all, a unique venue that we are excited to return to.