The little UK seaside town with fish and chips so good 100s queue down the street

Famous as the birthplace of Jade Thirlwall and Perrie Edwards from Little Mix, this North-east town is also well known as a beautiful beach destination with a rich history. But arguably, what the small town is most celebrated for is not its pop singers, but the fish and chips restaurant that's regarded as the best in the UK by the Sunday Times.

Tour the South Shields Roman Fort and be transported back in time to Roman England. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the full-scale fort boasts some of "the most significant finds from that time," reports its visitor page. Finds at the fort include inscribed items, jewellery and even pottery. Hosting interactive events and displays of falcons to gladiator battles, South Shields proves it's more than just its seaside.

Its iconic lighthouse Souter is the first in the world to be specifically built to use alternating electric currents in mind, making it a must-see for visitors. What may have surprised tourists and adrenaline junkies this summer is the offer to abseil down the tower, an event hosted in August 2025 that will hopefully return. With a Smugglers and Shipwreck tour and a bird ringing demonstration this October, the Souter also highlights a variety of coastal walks and trails where families can enjoy a stroll in nature before heading to South Shield's crowning glory - Colmans Seafood Temple.

With a long list of stellar reviews, the chippy can be found on Ocean Road. Described by Chronicle Live as open "pretty much whenever the sun is shining," the eatery has been praised by Sunday Times food critics as one of the nation's top 23 fish and chip shops.

With famous customers such as Hilary Clinton - who visited in June 2022 - and BBC chat show hosts Chris and Rosie Ramsey, of The Chris and Rosie Ramsey Show, the seafood diner receives continuous praise.

Thw owner of the establishment spoke to The Northern Echo, claiming to have sold "thousands of portions" on just one day in April 2025. Alan Thomas, 62, said: "We have the longest queue outside. It stretches down the street. People wait for hours to get their hands on our fish and chips. They wait for the best, it's good quality".

One happy visitor said: "How somewhere so special - even downright posh - can be so affordable is just one of Colmans' secret ingredients. Within a stunning seafront art deco pavilion, they serve local Lindisfarne oysters, crab salad, lemon sole and lobster".

The customer added that the takeaway also offers "haddock, fishcakes [and] even prawn tacos".