Colmans Fish & Chips, a North East institution, began as a small seafront shack in South Shields in 1905 before opening a restaurant on Ocean Road in 1926. This year marks the centenary of that restaurant, celebrated with a series of events culminating in a new exhibition at South Shields Museum and Art Gallery.
The Exhibition: Colmans: 100 Years of Fish and Chips
Opening on August 1, the exhibition will be displayed in the museum's Stairwell Gallery. It features archive images and audio recordings capturing the business's history. Richard Colman Ord, director of Colmans, said: “This town, its people and the community are so close to our hearts and their story is intertwined with that of Colmans. Going through all of the archive material and working with the museum has been a highlight of our centenary year so far.”
Adam Bell, assistant keeper of social history at the museum, added: “Colmans is such a beloved and cherished institution in South Tyneside and we always want to celebrate the people and places that have made their mark in the local area. We can’t wait to share their story in this, their 100th, year.”
Celebrity and Royal Patrons
Among famous customers are locals Joe McElderry, Chris and Rosie Ramsey, James Corden, Gateshead-born historian David Olusoga, and Hillary Clinton. In April this year, Princess Anne visited the Colmans Seafood Temple, meeting fourth- and fifth-generation family members: Richard Colman Ord senior and his sons Dominic and Richard Ord junior.
Expansion Beyond South Shields
Earlier this year, Colmans opened a permanent pop-up branch inside Fenwick, marking its first expansion outside Shields. The business also took over The Village Café at Whitburn. The centenary celebrations included a film screening at The Customs House and the launch of the Colmans Foundation charitable trust.
The museum exhibition builds on a previous show called Scran, which highlighted South Tyneside's food history. Adam Bell said: “This builds on the success of Scran and gives us the opportunity to delve deeper into the connection between a true South Shields success story and the community it serves.”
