Big queues for Good Friday fish and chips in South Shields after lockdown restrictions are eased

Lines of people were spotted outside Colmans in Ocean Road before the store even opened on on Good Friday, April 2, with dozens eagerly waiting for their traditional fish and chips.

Socially distant queues snaked along the road as people waited for food.

Many were taking advantage of meeting friends and family after months of restrictions.

Steve Parsons, 63 was among the queue with his granddaughter who has ‘always’ had fish and chips on bank holiday Friday.

He said: “Colmans is definitely the best chip shop here, it’s number one and we have always done this on Good Friday.

"It’s always busy but we don’t mind because it’s so good.”

Terry Wilson, 67 from Jarrow agreed, he said: “I definitely rate this place 10 out of 10 and it’s always busy, especially on Good Friday.

“This is the first time I’ve been out since November and it’s very strange but we’re being careful, I think everyone is just looking forward to getting back to normal now.”

Many visitors to the chip shop said they have been taking advantage of seeing friends and family since the easing of lockdown.

This includes Eve Percival, 19 and Jack Brown, 18.

Eve said: “My family have always had fish and chips on Good Friday, it’s a tradition and it’s been nice being able to see people this week.

"We are going to see some friends on Saturday, I think everyone is very happy about being able to see people because it’s been so long!”

Some eager people had the right idea and queued before Colman’s even opened at 11am this morning to avoid long waiting times.

Angela Wolfe, 52 traveled from Sunderland to pick up her fish and chips, she said: “This place has the best fish and chips, that’s why it’s so busy, we always come here.

"This is my first day out from shields for months and it’s great, I’m really looking forward to meeting up with some friends in a beer garden soon!”

Elsewhere in South Shields there were queues at almost every chip shop including Log Cabin Fish & Chips on Sea Road and Fisherman's Fish & Chip shop on Ocean Road.

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