
Best Fish and Chips in Whitley Bay
From the award-winning Trenchers at Spanish City to traditional seaside chippies — the best fish and chips in Whitley Bay.
Few things go together better than fish and chips and a view of the North Sea. Whitley Bay has been a seaside destination for over a century, and the chippy tradition runs deep here. Whether you want a sit-down meal in an award-winning restaurant or a newspaper-wrapped takeaway on the prom, the town has you covered.
Here is our guide to the best fish and chips in Whitley Bay.
Trenchers at Spanish City
Trenchers occupies a prime spot inside the beautifully restored Spanish City dome on the seafront. This is not your average chippy. Trenchers was named Best Fish and Chip Restaurant in the UK at the 2020 National Fish and Chip Awards, and it is easy to see why. The fish is cooked to order in beef dripping batter, the chips are crisp and fluffy, and the mushy peas are properly done.
The restaurant offers both sit-down dining and a takeaway counter, so you can eat at a table with a sea view or grab a portion and head for the beach. The menu goes beyond the classic cod and haddock, with daily specials and a decent selection of sides and desserts. Expect queues on sunny weekends -- it is worth the wait.
Best for: Award-winning fish and chips, sit-down or takeaway, inside the Spanish City dome.
Longsands Fish Kitchen
Longsands Fish Kitchen on King Edward Road has built a loyal following since opening. Named after the beach it overlooks, this small restaurant and takeaway focuses on sustainably sourced fish and proper hand-cut chips. The menu changes with the seasons and the catch, but the battered haddock and the grilled whole plaice are both excellent.
The dining room is compact, so booking ahead is sensible for evening meals. For a quick lunch, the takeaway counter keeps things moving. It is the kind of place that takes fish and chips seriously without being fussy about it.
Best for: Sustainably sourced fish, seasonal specials, a short walk from the beach.
Seabright Chippy
A proper traditional takeaway on Whitley Road, Seabright Chippy has been feeding locals and visitors for years. No frills, no reservations, just well-fried fish, generous portions, and friendly service. The prices are reasonable and the queue on a Friday tea time tells you everything you need to know.
If you are looking for a classic seaside chippy experience without the restaurant price tag, this is the one.
Best for: Traditional takeaway, generous portions, good value.
The Harbour View
For something a little different, The Harbour View at St Mary's Place in Seaton Sluice is a short drive north from Whitley Bay. It regularly features in best-of lists for the North East and offers a proper sit-down fish supper with harbour views. The beer-battered cod is the star, and the homemade tartar sauce is a cut above.
Best for: A short drive from Whitley Bay, harbour views, worth the trip for a special fish supper.
Where to Eat Your Chips
Half the joy of seaside fish and chips is where you eat them. Whitley Bay has plenty of options: the promenade benches facing the sea, the grassy slopes above Longsands beach, or the steps around Spanish City. On a calm evening, there is nowhere better in the North East to sit with a tray of chips and watch the sun set over the coast.
Know a chippy we have missed? Get in touch via our contact page and we will keep this guide updated.