Bimbi's, a Newcastle restaurant that closed decades ago, is still celebrated for its fish and chips, which some locals have called the 'best ever' in the city. The restaurant, once a popular meeting spot for friends and families, holds a lasting place in the memories of many Geordies.
A Nostalgic Look at Eldon Square
Eldon Square has changed dramatically over the years. Shoppers remember the 'spaceship' restaurant at John Lewis (then Bainbridge's), browsing posters at Athena, eating at Boots cafe, buying stationery at John Menzies, and visiting the Green Market.
Bimbi's was a key part of old Eldon Square. There were several branches across Newcastle city centre, including on Pilgrim Street and inside Newgate shopping centre, but the Eldon Square location is particularly well remembered.
Changing Times and New Eateries
The downstairs area where Bimbi's once stood now hosts Wingstop, Flight Club, and Dave's Fried Chicken. It wasn't until spring of last year that a dedicated fish and chip restaurant opened in Newcastle, when South Shields chippy Colmans launched its first venue outside South Tyneside inside Fenwick.
Other places, like the now-closed George's Great British Kitchen, have served fish and chips, but locals waited a long time for one that could be compared to Bimbi's.
Fond Memories Shared Online
When a single photo of the Eldon Square Bimbi's was shared on Facebook last year, hundreds of comments poured in. One former regular wrote: 'Best fish and chips ever. Always went when shopping in town,' while another added: 'THE best chippy.'
Last weekend, Old Mother Hubbard's, a chippy claiming to be the 'most famous' in the UK, opened on Clayton Street with large queues on launch days.
