Category: Lifestyle

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…

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…

The Highlight Active Wellbeing Hub, part of Hartlepool Borough Council’s £160million regeneration programme, will open its doors on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, marking a major step forward for the town’s leisure and wellbeing facilities. Work on the Highlight hub began in early 2024. Located on The Waterfront, by the marina, the hub is the first…

Janine Goldsborough, who has been running Tindale Deli in Bishop since October 2024, bought the venue after her friend Lyn Neilson suddenly passed away.  Mum-of-one Lyn was just 53-years-old when she died on August 27, 2024 – with Janine describing her as “friendly, generous, and a diamond”. Months after Lyn’s passing, Janine, 55, decided to…

Residents in the care services enjoy chef-prepared, restaurant-style meals (Image: Middleton Hall Retirement Village) Middleton Hall is a finalist in four categories at the 2026 Care Home Awards: ‘Best for Wellbeing’, ‘Best for Nutrition, Food and Dining’, ‘Best for Architecture or Interior Design’ and ‘Best Retirement Living Village or Development with Care Provision’. The awards…

Whether you’re after a luxurious meal at a white-tablecloth restaurant or a gourmet twist on cosy pub grub by a roaring fire, there are plenty to choose from in Darlington and County Durham. That’s why The Northern Echo is pleased to announce its latest competition – Best Restaurant and Gastro Pub 2026.  We want to…

Kushi, a contemporary Indian restaurant, will welcome customers in Shotley Bridge, Consett, from 5pm on Monday, March 30. Located on Front Street in the former Rumi’s venue, the restaurant has undergone a complete refurbishment. Abdul Salam, 44, who owns the business, comes from a family with a long history in the restaurant industry. His father…

Punters were shocked last week when The Manor House, on High Lane in Maltby, suddenly shut its doors on Monday, March 16.  News that the pub had shut came after reports online of bookings being cancelled the previous weekend.  Pictures taken at the pub last week showed how wooden boards had been erected on the…

Frydayz of Shildon, run by Davinder Singh and his family, has been named Best Fish and Chip Shop in County Durham at the 2026 awards, after being voted for by their customers. The black-tie ceremony was held at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead on Sunday (March 22). Mr Singh, 44, said it “felt amazing” after hearing…

Meat:Stack, which launched in Newcastle in 2016, took third place in the competition, finishing just behind Honest Burgers and London’s Burger & Beyond. The team said the award was a proud moment after years of growth from street food beginnings. Tom, co-founder of Meat:Stack, said: “This one means a lot to us. “Newcastle is where…