DURING these strange times of crisis we have become accustomed to shuttered shops and empty high streets.

Local cafes and pubs closed, and the demand for household essential and food supplies became greater than ever.

If there is one iconic dish that the UK is known for around the world it is fish and chips.

Throughout the lockdown period many Tynedale outlets have remained open and locals have able to satisfy their craving for the dish.

Despite not being able to boast about being located on the sea shore like many outlets in Whitley Bay, Tynemouth or North Shields it is abundantly clear that Tynedale residents do not have to travel far to find the perfect fish and chips.

We asked readers of the Hexham Courant online to tell us their favourite fish and chip shops throughout the district.

The Sea Chef Acomb:

Ridley Armstrong said: “Acomb Fish and Chip Shop, great service the fish is lovely and the chips piping hot.

Angie Canham added: “Super fish and chips from Acomb. Friendly service too.”

Geoffrey Boldon said: “The Sea Chef in Acomb, Fab food, Fab Service, Fab Staff.”

Clive Robson was full of praise for the Sea Chef’s all round customer service. He said: “Acomb chippie; Spot on fish and chips good portions and the staff are all friendly and very pleasant.”

Balls of Prudhoe:

Helen Anderson said: “Got to be Balls Of Prudhoe. Every single time. Beautiful fish , great customer service and Anne and her husband are absolutely lovely. Really would not go anywhere else.

Pat Stott added: “Definitely Balls, always have the ‘ pensioners special ‘ which is great value and tastes wonderful. Always go the extra mile for their customers.”

Ian Warburton also praised the staff, he said: “Not only do they produce food of good quality; they also display an attitude which says that they’d do anything for their customers.”

Oceans Haltwhistle:

“Big portions, well cooked, nice people,” Niall Ferguson said. “What’s not to like!”

Ali Milburn agreed by saying: “Fantastic quality chunky, flaky, white cod, crispy light batter and yummy chips. Perfect.”

Special mentions were also given to Frost’s mobile fish and chip van. Helen Lara Lymburn said: “Robert Frost provides a great service and delivers to different villages.”

Hexham’s Fish Bar and Paxton’s as well as The Fryery in Haltwhistle and The Angel of Corbridge also received praise.