Bells Fish and Chips in County Durham

Regular visitor but today they tasted different. Fat for frying was poor.

I asked if the haddock had skin on the waitress said you can have it on or off your choice. So I asked for a haddock skin less as a meal with mushy peas. 3of the 4 meals arrived while I was sat waiting with no food. when it arrived the haddock still had skin on but no batter just floured!! Please train your staff to know the difference between batter and skin , no mussy peas either. Not the best service food was ok. I didn’t want to make a fuss in-front of friends hence the review.

I have used bells fish shop for a very long time but I have to say that I ve been disappointed on a good few occasions due to the fish not being up to it's normal standard and the batter on some occasions being soggy , not a great experience. To be honest they are an expense you have as a treat nowadays , but as it's hitty missy I'm not going to use for a while to see if they improve . I've made my feelings known in the shop but you never get any reimbursement or replaced fish n chips . It's happened a good few times and I'm not prepared to waste money .

Quality not too greasy fish and chips, pot of tea was quality, helpful friendly staff, sat at a window seat, maybe go for fish with half chips half salad next time x

Absolutely fantastic meal good quality food portions are very generous

Great food and quick service, staff were polite too. Thanks 😊

Love going here for fish and chips.. Spot on

Herd so much about this wasn’t impressed at all.

We have visited twice both times with my wife and my 1 year old son. They are very welcoming and always make a fuss of our boy, they always have a high chair for him and they will bring it to the table for us. No issues when asked for some hot milk or to warm up a bottle. Food is probably the best fish and chips I've had in a long time portion sizes are just right, salt vinegar and sauces are already on the table. Highly recommended must visit!

Seeing as though my posts have been removed from Facebook, I am now coming to Google! We called today on our way home from Darlington, via framwellgate before heading home to Spennymoor. We ordered 3 lots of cod and chips, tea, cappuccino, Pepsi. 2 brown and 1 white bread, and tartar sauce! At first they seemed ok but the more we ate, the more batter appeared and the thinner and more grey, the fish became. When our plates were collected, we were asked if everything was ok, my husband said it wasn’t the best we have had and pointed to all the batter, to which the young girl laughed and asked if we needed the card machine? I don’t think we will making the 16 mile round trip again! Feeling verity disappointed! £48!

Disappointed, my wife and I had Haddock and Lemon Sole for lunch today. Rather than enjoy the taste of the fresh fish, we both had a lasting taste of the oil it was cooked in. SHAME considering the restaurant is "award winning" 🤔

Orders are always never correct. How can you not get everything you order when the staff have a list. Seems to be every time we go. Shame

I don't eat any seafood or fish but there's always something lovely for me, my partner loves the fish

Dicusting greasy won't return

Normally excellent service and food. Today was not. Started off poorly, requsted booth but denied told were booked. Acceped this reason in good faith. In whole time there was between 2 and 6 booths available which makes me wonder why such an untruth told. Prompt ordering from menu. Drinks arrived in approximately 10 minutes. However food not for another 30 plus minutes. Frustratingly I could see my order sitting at the pass for approximately 4 to 5 minutes resulting it in being served a not so hot meal. Waitress on serving our food gave a complete lacking sincerity apology for the delay but by this time we just wanted to eat and leave. Food not hot, more batter than fish. Chips ok. Overall a poor experience on what is normally a lovely meal/dining event .

Best F&C in the area, I like this one but also the one in Market Place. We go regularly beautiful cod, but I had the haddock this time. Salad and chips 50:50 is reasonable compromise! Salad is good.

Quality of food is... well it's ok.... portion size is small... I have no idea how they won best chippy but fair play to them..... I wouldn't go again, but that's just my opinion

Visited here a few nights ago, and the staff are so friendly. Our portions were huge, as well as being delicious. We will definitely come back here next time we are in Durham.

very nice chips and related items very plesent decor great value

What more is there to say about fish and chips. Usually have the half chips half salad option 😋

Awesome food but staff need to actually serve customers, we stood in waiting area for 20-30mins and still weren't asked what we wanted

Very nice restaurant, incredibly tasty meal, however my experience in the restaurant was let down by the slightly rude and abrupt lady serving us.

Always a nice meal everytime we go in!! It’s becoming our new regular place!

Service of one particular waitresses plump sour faced woman very rude never got served for ages off her,finally walked out never again will I frequent that establishment..

Drinks and food orders are taken quickly. Small fish and small portions of chips but very tasty. Staff were friendly and helpful. This place just lacks value for money as I left the premises hungry.

We've eaten here about half a dozen times in the past year and never had a bad experience yet. Service is prompt and friendly, food is very good and premises are clean.

Was ok a little on the steep side for fish and chips. Fish and sausage where nice chips a little on dry side for my liking. Took awhile for food to be served but it was hot

Had take away fish bites and chips today possibly the worst snaps of fish I have ever had. All over cooked small scraps from tail end. Never again. Wife also had fish and chips and was average.

Fish and chips spot on takeout area nice and clean efficient staff plenty parking

Seems to be a shadow of its former self - mainly due to reduced portion sizes, but also reduced quality. The kid's fish pieces and chips came with two thin, flat pieces of fish (see photos); pretty sure these used to be nice and fat. The fish and chips seemed to have a little over half the chips we used to see. The spam seemed to be of a wafer thin cut... No doubt I'll visit again, but only because of their gluten-free capabilities - else, it seems it's just an average chippy now...

Bit disappointed by this place. Looks fantastic inside and out, but was just lacking. Used the take out side and the server seemed like they couldn't be bothered to be there. Maybe just tired who knows. I ordered corned beef pattie and chips with a few scraps on top. Didn't think £6 was overly expensive, but the portion of chips was lacking in quantity. They tasted okay, as did the corned beef pattie, but as I said earlier it was just lacking that bit extra. Might have just caught them on an off day. Would revisit when next in the area, and update the review. I absolutely want to try the restaurant side!

Really nice place to eat, good food we each tried a different dish.

Awesome fish and chips with a nice pint.

Great food, great service staff always helpful

Without a doubt the best chippy restaurant in the area. We ate in and the food was quick and delicious. Server was polite as well. Highly recommended.

A new Bells out of the city but just as good. Superb batter, fresh fish, lovely big square chips. Best mushy for a long time. My wife loves to try scampi but always up to now disappointed by huge batter little langoustine. But once again Bells cracked it. Cheerful staff, lovely surroundings. And easy parking (unlike the one in town) What's not to like?

Very disappointing looks very good from outside but £18.80 for a tasteless kids portion of haddock and half cooked chips wasn’t my best experience. Below average food below average size and tasteless you be better getting some frozen Birds Eye from your local shop

Having been going to belles since is was first opened on sunderland road many uears ago I can say I will not be going again after tonight appalling offering. I understand prices are going up and portion size is reducing but seriously, £11.20 for what I got is disappointing to say the least!

The fish and chips are delicious.

Waited far too long in the takeaway section for someone to take my order.

Popped in for for Sunday lunch great choice of food and bar well worth visit

Food was nice and fresh really cheap I'd recommend the fish and chip butty

Firstly the food was excellent, the service was good but I was so disappointed by the timing in which the food was brought out. We were brought pots of tea first then a slice of bread 5 minutes later but had to wait 40 mins (from arrival) for the actual fish and chips. We could see that it was busy and it was a Friday at 6pm so we were prepared to be patient. When the food arrived we asked for the tea to be refreshed as we’d finished it 30 mins before. We were told by the waitress that she could bring boiling water out but couldn’t provide a couple of tea bags!! I was shocked because it is a reputable company which has a high turnover who refused to provide a couple of tea bags to keep its customers happy. This marred the evenings enjoyment and that’s why I felt it necessary to leave this review. Management please take note of this. I must point out this is not the fault of the waitress as she was just following instructions. It’s always best to keep the customer happy!

Love Bells,but today wanted Lemon sole, never again,love lemon sole but this was absolutely disgusting,don't know what they did to it.I couldn't eat most of it because it was slimy,talked to wait staff and they talked to chef who said they cook in butter,I cook lemon sole at home but it has never turned out like that.Dont usually complain but £17 for what I was served.........never again.Will go to Durham Bells for my meal from now on

Nice place plus does gluten free

Bought fish and chips very tasty. Wish they did a smaller portion

Great fish and chips good service

There’s always one old woman that services and she makes molasses look fast!! 20 minute wait second in queue

Perfectly cooked fish and chips in a very pleasant setting. Well worth seeking out here, Durham City and at Seaham Harbour (after you've visited the 'Tommy' statue. Regular visits and never disappointed. Great service from the staff.

First time visit to Bells Fish and Chips. The chips were the best I've ever had and the battered cod was spot on.

Excellent fish and chips but not the cheapest. it's nice they give extra batter for free to those who want it.

Lovely fish and chips. Small plates for those with smaller appetites would be a welcomed addition to the menu, better than wasting half a plate of food for those who can't finish a plate full.

We enjoyed a lovely meal of cod and chips and cheddar cheese pattie. The restaurant was spotless and the service was excellent they were very friendly, and nothing was a bother

Had lunch here today, conveniently located place near lots of different shops. Great option for a stop for food after shopping. Friendly staff, clean guest place and delicious food. Thanks to the lady from Ukraine for the great service. Will definitely be back again.

Shocking, if I good give no stars for service I would.

Can’t believe it took us 7 years to find this wonderful Fish & Chip rrestaurant. oMG! Beautifully clean, friendly efficient staff, nothing too much trouble. When the food arrived - well it was perfection. Light crispy batter, chips crisp on outside soft inside, not drowning in fat or pale and sick looking, even the butter spread on the bread easily, and a pot of tea was Ringtons good tea, not some mass produced tea dust. We will return every Friday now. Thank you so much

I've eaten in at Bells in Durham and at Seaham before, this was my first visit to Framwellgate Moor. The food was excellent. I chose beef lasagne which came with pieces of garlicky ciabatta, salad and chips. I saw the fish and chips going to other tables and they looked as good as I'd expect in Bells. And the service was friendly and professional. Yes, I'm a Bells fan, but they are so good.

Lovely friendly staff, plenty of seating, and decent menu. Decent prices. Ordered three starters, two drinks, Fishcake and Chips, and Fish and Chips for just over £50. The fish was my favourite, soft and flaky with crisp batter, cooked to perfection!

Lovely chip shop plenty of parking and shops near by

Me mother both had cod and chips we sat in restaurants it was well worth it many thanks 👍

Frish fish Closes early at 20.00

Great parking, I had take out. The staff was friendly

Spur of the moment decision to try here as I had an hour lunch break. Very bright and airy venue, staff were all very welcoming and helpful, and the food, well, best sausage and chips I've had for a long time. The chips' portion size was great, along with 3 tasty battered sausages. I chose a portion of mushy peas as my included side and opted not to have the offered bread and butter, just because I wasn't sure I'd have time to eat everything anyway. The young lady who served me was very quick and efficient, happily helping me through my confusion that the sausage and chips came with the added extras for no extra charge. The food arrived quickly and seemingly fresh out of the fryer. The chips were crisp on the outside and soft and fluffy inside. The sausage was nicely battered, not soggy or greasy at all. The peas were a very tasty addition, as was the little pot of batter scraps (which you have to have with chipshop chips, no idea why southerners see them as a waste byproduct). Spending around £16 for everything, including a drink, great value for money. I will definitely be heading back again.

We were up visiting family, and they brought us to this fish restaurant for our evening meal. I had scampi and my husband cod, both with chips and salad. OMGoodness, our meals were excellent! Our server was very pleasant and chatty. A speedy service, with piping hot food! Could not recommend high enough!

Fish and Chips were beautiful my son had the Lasagna which he loved

Great fish and chips and friendly staff. Very efficient service.

On entering we were quickly seated and then were ignored by staff! When finally we could order food it arrived quickly and was delicious.

Lovely food, great service and a nice restaurant. Food reasonably priced

Excellent fish and chips, courteous, friendly, and efficient service. Easy car parking.

By far the best fish and chips I've ever had, and I'm fussy!!!! The gravy was amazing. Kids meals were also enjoyed by the kids

This shop has gone right downhill. Staff demoralised my wife and the service is always slow. I will not be returning in the future.

Absolute nightmare...hardly any fish on the fish or fish bites. Chips are either brown or raw because of way cook food and queues. Cook to order but always a queue so ypu have to queue fir 20 to 30 mins to order and always only 1 till on. By tome you order you then have to wait another 20 to 30 mins fir food yo cook but if you've bought curry or gravy the girl on till puts it up so cold when get food. People getting agitated because it's not really fast food. Staff are not very pleasant, witnessed a long serving member bullying a new starte while waiting 40 mins for food..I did report it. It's our local but just had enough of having to wait 40 mins to an hour to get order.

Fantastic fish and chips, huge portions. Quality service

Ordered cheese patty and chips, couldn't taste any cheese. Patty was over powered with garlic powder. Thankfully chips were ok, but won't be ordering cheese patty again!

Didn’t dine in, ordered take away. Nicely packed and food was okay. Would have been nice to get some sachets of salt and pepper to help with the taste. Especially for those that may not be living around the area to have access to such condiment. But it was okay.

OK but have had much nicer fish and chips elsewhere £1. For hot water to top up the tea pot Never been charged any where else for extra hot water. What a rip off your having a laugh !!!

Great fish & and chips could do with speeding up the service.

Poor fish quality, cold mushy peas.

Dined in here today with family (4 adults 2 kids) fish & chips were excellent and staff were really good crack. Kids meals are good value - £8 for chips and two decent sized pieces of battered fish, peas or beans, a soft drink and an ice cream that comes with a white chocolate fish and chip. Definitely recommend.

All the staff are very polite...friendly food fantastic...so welcoming..best fish shop in the North east

Great takeaway fish and chip place. Easy to find and always really quick with your order. It's now our go to. Sometimes the fish is a bit small but that's just me being greedy!

Great service and food as usual. Keep up the good work 👏

20 minutes wait to order fish and chips haha staff laughing around

A really disappointing experience. We've eaten at the Durham city restaurant several times and decided to try the Arnison centre one. We arrived and ordered fish and chips for 3 people and then proceeded to sit waiting for 40 minutes while other tables were served despite having arrived after us. After 30 minutes we were told our food would not be long, and then in the next 15 minutes a further 3 tables were served. We eventually asked to just pay for our drinks and were told the reason for the delay was because we had placed a special order. We ordered 2 haddock and chips and 1 cod and chips so not sure how that could be classed as a special order or how it could take 40 minutes to cook! We definitely won't be back!

Things are changing here, steak pie is not the one that used to be served. Portions are smaller pricing has gone up. Bells go back to where you please.

Took awhile to be served . Fish was dry and rubbery

Fish overcooked and chewy, chips hard,dry and greasy, very disappointed.

Bell's has to rate as one of the best places for fish and chips in the North of England. They are so fresh and tasty. No soggy chips hear or over fried fish here! The batter they use leaves the fish especially crisp and light. We have eaten several times at their restaurant and can say we have never been disappointed. The restaurant is laid out comfortably and is airy and sitting without feeling on top of one another. With car parking next to the restaurant. Well worth a visit.

Really enjoyed the meal, service excellent prices reasonable. Young girl who served us could do with more instruction on beer service, asked for draught but got bottled, still enjoyed it so certainly not complaining.

The food came out different to how I asked for so I asked for it to be changed and the waitress was so rude! She brought it back now cold and slammed it down and said I had to have it how it came, I protested and the waitress was rude yet again. She smirked when we paid to and the food was awful. £35 fir cold awful food with the worst service I have ever had. I would give -5 stars if I could.

Excited to try the restaurant for the first time, especially when I realised the menu was more extensive than the takeaway one. No reservation and seated but told we'd have to sit at one of the small tables without any real explanation as to why. Only two of us but there were at least two duos sat in the more comfortable booths so wasn't clear why we weren't given that choice (no reserved signs on display). Decided what we both wanted quite quickly then waited 10 minutes while sporadic new arrivals continued to be seated. No indication of any interest in our table after that time so decided to go to takeaway side instead. Unfortunately meant we didn't get to try the lemon sole we fancied. Cod and chips tasty as always and takeaway staff courteous and friendly. Disappointing first impression of the restaurant though.

8 adults (covering 3 generations) enjoyed a great evening here, and that wasn't all down to the company. Attentive, patient staff, (nothing too much trouble) tastey food, nothing fancy but all good. Ok some items on the menu were sold out, but we did rock up at 7pm on a Friday night. Not to be recommended was the veggie curry, cold temperature and uninspired, but everyone who had traditional fish and chips style choices was well satisfied with their selections. Puddings good value, and if you like liquorice then the blackcurrant and liquorice ice cream was superb.

Great service. There was 8 of us so a lot of work but staff were lovely and helpful. Food was delicious

Good food, good atmosphere, good service.

Extremely disappointing! Ordered 1 haddock and chips with curry sauce, and 1 cod and chips with tartare sauce with both. Food came relatively quickly, however curry sauce was on the wrong plate. Haddock and chips were fine, however cod was more batter than fish, chips were anaemic, and no tartare sauce. We asked a waitress twice for the tartare sauce and were told someone would bring it over. We finished our meal without anybody checking if our food was ok and had to go to the bar to ask for the bill, as 10 minutes after we’d finished our meal we were still sat there with no acknowledgement from the numerous staff working. Upon receipt of the bill, we weren’t asked if we’d enjoyed our meals, or if everything had been ok, but we were just presented with the card machine asking if we wanted to pay a tip. We told the waitress that we’d asked numerous times for tartare sauce and been ignored, and she said she was looking after the other side of the restaurant and the ‘other two’ were trainees and she’d have a word. So overall we paid the best part of £40 for average food and abysmal service.

Excellent cod and chips as usual. The quality of food speaks for itself and the service here is always fantastic, in our last visit we arrived quite late in the evening but were still greeted with a smile and warm welcome. Would highly recommend Bells for a proper fish and chip experience!

Massively overpriced. Nearly £16 for corned beef pattie and chips twice. Not worth anywhere near that. Been a few times and not worth the money in my opinion.

Food is great. All freshly cooked.

Meal was dry not what I expected service was as indicated, meal I would have preferred gravy My negative comment was when we ordered tea we requested an additional pot of water we were advised that that would be a pound. No tip!

Excellent fish and chips. The young lady fitted us in as we hadn't booked. We weren't disappointed