The family behind one of the North East's most renowned fish and chip brands has expanded their portfolio by taking over a beloved café in the coastal village of Whitburn. Colmans, a name synonymous with top-tier fish and chips for nearly a century, has acquired the Village Café, a staple in the community for over 50 years.
A New Chapter for Colmans
Colmans, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, has long been a household name not just in the North East but across the UK. The brand recently catered for Princess Anne during her visit to the Seafood Temple in South Shields in April. Over the years, celebrities such as Hillary Clinton, James Corden, and Alison Hammond have dined at their establishments, which include the Seafood Temple, the original Ocean Road site, and a restaurant in Fenwick, Newcastle city centre.
The Village Café Acquisition
The Village Café, owned by the Hopper family for more than five decades, was put up for sale late last year. Richard Colman Ord, co-owner and director of Colmans Fish and Chips, made an offer shortly after learning of the sale. The deal was sealed quickly, with Ord noting that the two families have known each other for generations, going back to when their grandparents were neighbours.
Ord explained, "I popped into the café for breakfast the day after Peter and Fran had decided to put it up for sale. We got chatting and I put in an offer later that day. Whitburn is our family’s home and the Village Café holds so many fond memories for all of us."
Plans for the Future
The café is set to reopen this summer after undergoing a refurbishment. However, Ord emphasized that the changes will be minimal to preserve the café's cherished character. "We’re going to refurbish the café and put our own stamp on it but we won’t change too much. Why would we? The Village Café is known for its family feel and for fostering a real sense of community. The name and the ethos will stay the same," he said.
Ord added, "We want to ensure the café retains its place at the heart of the village we’re proud to call home. Although there will be something of a makeover, we’re building on what Peter and Fran have worked so hard towards for so many years."
Community Impact
The acquisition has been welcomed by locals, who view the café as a cornerstone of the village. Whitburn has been rated as one of the best places to live in the region, and the Village Café has long been a hub for home-cooked food and friendly service. With Colmans at the helm, the café is expected to continue thriving while honoring its legacy.
For updates on food, drink, entertainment, and events in the North East, readers can sign up for the dedicated What’s On newsletter or join the ChronicleLive WhatsApp community.
