My friend Tom and I decided to take an early lunch today, instead of the full English breakfast that we would normally have on a Friday. We met at Sunderland University metro station and headed off to South Shields, changing at Pelaw. From South Shields metro station it is possible to look down the length of Ocean Road, towards the sea.
Looking down Ocean Road from South Shields metro station
We left the platform and walked the length of Ocean Road. On the right-hand side we went past the most amazing collection of Asian Indian restaurants; on the left there were numerous guest houses. When we got to within spitting distance of the beach we doubled back, mainly because the dark rain clouds had started to spit a bit.
We found Colman’s famous fish and chip restaurant and took a table for two at the back of the room. Service was prompt and pleasant. We both ordered cod and chips with a pot of tea on the side. I was tempted to order some rounds of white bread and butter but I refrained from doing so. Another day the temptation to ask for an extra portion of chips in order to make a chip butty might be too strong for me to resist, but I did not succumb this morning. Within a couple of minutes we had our pot of tea on the table and shortly afterwards our fish and chips came, too. There were no fancy frills; we asked for fish and chips and that is what we got.
Without doubt this was the best plate of fish and chips I have tasted within decades. I have eaten fish and chips at the Magpie Cafe in Whitby and also at Eastbeach Cafe in Littlehampton. Excellent as these acclaimed establishments undoubtedly are, Colman’s of South Shields gets my vote. The fish was fresh, tender, and cooked to perfection. The batter was light and crisp. I would not have minded if my chips had been browned a litte more but Tom liked them just the way they were. I took mine with malt vinegar and salt, as befits this superb dish.
Fish n chips ~ photo by Tom Young
The grey rain clouds burst as I was walking home from the metro and I got a good soaking. At first I screwed up my face, as though I were sucking a particularly tart wedge of lemon, but then I remembered a girlfriend from the past who loved to walk in the rain. She adored the smell and she was invigorated by the feel of the raindrops upon her face. I decided that I should adopt her as my role model; I tried to relax and enjoy the sensation for what it was. After all, I don’t make a big fuss when I have taken a shower; I just get a towel and dry off. I don’t burst into tears when I pull my wet clothes out of the washing machine; I just put them in the dryer. Sometimes, an experience needs to be reconstrued in a more creative way before it can be fully savoured. Speak to you later, my dear blogophiles.
John's Quavering Pencil 
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