Huge demand for Good Friday fish and chips in South Shields as families pre-order to avoid queues
For many people it’s not Good Friday without fish and chips – and businesses have been working hard arranging pre-order slots, deliveries and social-distancing systems to ensure customers can enjoy their traditional lunches and suppers safely.
A walk along the seafront before joining one of the chip shop queues for a fish and chip supper is a classic Easter tradition in South Shields
Although businesses are still offering walk-in orders, many have offered customers the chance to book an online slot for click-and-collect orders or even have them delivered to their door.
It launched its pre-order slots for the weekend on Monday, March 29 and has already seen nearly all of its slots sell out as families look to avoid the crowds.
Colmans Director, Richard Ord, said: “We launched the pre-order and delivery slots to keep the queues down, that was our main priority.
"We have offered as many pre-order slots as possible to avoid the queues that we normally have so that people can social distance and to keep people safe.
"We are still doing walk-ins at both Colmans Seafood Temple and Ocean Road but we have set up different points for collection and a walk-ins so they won't be a lot of people waiting.”
Richard added: “We are massively grateful to our customers. They keep us going at the end of the day.”
Ocean Road chippy The Red Hut is also expecting a busy weekend and has already had scores of pre-orders for collection and delivery through its Facebook page, but expects a number of walk-ins this Good Friday too.
A Red Hut spokesperson said: “Our pre-order slots are nearly all full, so we are expecting it to be extremely busy.
“We are leaving a bit space between the pre-orders for walk-in customers, but priority is for all pre-orders.”
Vegetarians and vegans can also enjoy fish and chips in South Tyneside this Easter thanks to the offering from Ocean Road cafe Sea-Change who are serving battered halloumi or tofu in a brioche bun.
The cafe is open 12pm to 4pm on Good Friday, Easter Saturday and Easter Sunday, and customers can pre-order for collection or delivery by messaging their Facebook page.