The County Durham chippies diners rate highly on Tripadvisor

Drawing on hundreds of customer ratings, diners praise everything from crisp, golden batter and fluffy chips to generous portions and warm welcomes behind the counter.

From well-known city centre staples to much-loved village takeaways, these are five of the highest‑rated fish and chip shops in County Durham right now, according to Tripadvisor users.

Bells Fish & Chips, Durham

In the heart of Durham, Bells Fish & Chips remains one of the city’s best‑known spots for a traditional fish supper. With a Tripadvisor score of around 4.5 out of five from well over 1,000 reviews, it is regularly tipped as a go‑to for visitors and locals alike.

One diner described their meal as “fish cooked perfectly, batter delicious and chips spot on”, while another praised the “exceptional fish and chips with friendly, welcoming service”. Its central Market Place location makes it an easy stop after exploring Durham Cathedral and the historic streets, and although queues can build at busy times, many reviewers say the food is worth the wait. There are also other Bells fish and chip shops across the North East for those not in the city centre.

Middleton‑in‑Teesdale Fish & Chip Shop

Often described as a “hidden gem”, Middleton‑in‑Teesdale Fish & Chip Shop has built a strong reputation with both locals and visitors. With a rating hovering between 4.6 and 4.7 out of five, it is a popular stop for people heading to nearby attractions such as High Force waterfall.

Reviewers frequently praise the freshness of the fish, with one calling it “perfectly cooked in tasty batter with just‑right chips”. Another review describes it as a “little gem” with consistently good food and friendly staff, helping cement its status as a favourite after a day out in the Teesdale countryside.

Fish & Chips at 149, Barnard Castle

In the centre of Barnard Castle, Fish & Chips at 149 has earned a loyal following and maintains a Tripadvisor rating of around 4.4 out of five. Many customers single out the cod, describing it as light and flaky with a crisp batter that keeps people coming back.

One reviewer called it “the best fish and chips in the area”, while others highlight the generous portions and attentive service. It can get busy during peak tourist seasons, but for many, it remains a must‑visit whenever they are in the historic market town.

Fields, Esh Winning

Fields in Esh Winning is frequently picked out as a dependable local favourite. With a rating of around 4.5 out of five, it wins praise for its traditional cooking style and reliably good chips.

“Always great fish and chips, never disappointed,” wrote one Tripadvisor user, while another highlighted friendly service and value for money as key reasons for its popularity. It may be less well‑known to visitors, but it clearly has the trust of its local community.

Grandpa’s Fish Bar, Lanchester

In Lanchester, Grandpa’s Fish Bar continues to attract glowing feedback, holding a rating of around 4.6 out of five. Reviewers often mention the portion sizes and the quality of the batter, describing it as light, crispy and packed with flavour.

One customer summed it up as “excellent quality every time”, while others praise the welcoming atmosphere that keeps them returning. Its mix of hearty portions, good value and friendly service has helped secure its reputation as one of County Durham’s best‑rated village chippies.

Across County Durham, these five venues show that when it comes to fish and chips, consistency, freshness and a friendly welcome are what matter most to diners. Whether you prefer a bustling city centre shop or a quieter countryside takeaway, Tripadvisor users suggest these are among the very best the county has to offer right now.