Blue Lagoon, the Scottish fish and chip brand, opened its first restaurant outside Scotland in Newcastle city centre on Friday, drawing queues and balloon arches to Grainger Street. The new venue occupies the premises that previously housed North East institution Dicksons for years.
Opening Day Draws Crowds
Customers began to be welcomed around 12 noon, and business was brisk from the start. Staff worked non-stop at the counter as orders were placed shortly after doors opened. One person in the queue said they had come down to "see what all the fuss was about."
The restaurant offers takeaways and a dining area that can seat over 90 customers. The menu includes traditional fish and chips, as well as the option of blue batter. Billboards outside the building had teased some of the offerings, including the deep fried Mars bar and pizza crunches, a Scots delicacy that divides opinion but is popular in Blue Lagoon's native land.
Expansion South of the Border
The move into Newcastle was officially confirmed earlier this year and sparked considerable interest. The launch followed a lot of behind-the-scenes work and a slight delay. The opening weekend is expected to draw more visitors to the new chippy.
