Fish & chips restaurants

Bells Fish and Chips

4.4 1,096 reviews 11:00 AM - 8:30 PM Bells Fish & Chips, Finchale Rd, Pity Me, Durham DH1 5RW, United Kingdom

Discover this place

At Bells Fish and Chips, nestled in Pity Me, Durham, diners can expect a delightful experience where traditional fish and chips take center stage. Customers rave about the quality of the dishes, particularly the cod—a staple that continues to impress. Each plate arrives steaming hot, underscored by generous portion sizes that do not skimp on flavor.

One standout moment shared by many is the exceptional service. Guests like Steven Pattison appreciate being greeted with warm smiles, even during late evening visits. The atmosphere is heightened by charming decor, with fairy lights adding a welcoming touch, making it an ideal spot for family gatherings or casual dinners.

While the veggie curry did receive some criticism for its lackluster presentation, the majority of reviews celebrate the classic offerings. Samantha Ward's remarks about the scampi highlight the kitchen's knack for delivering delectable seafood alongside crispy chips. Even the desserts, especially the unique blackcurrant and liquorice ice cream, have received accolades for their value and taste.

If you seek an authentic fish and chip experience in a cozy setting, Bells Fish and Chips is a must-visit. With attentive staff and an inviting atmosphere, it promises to be a satisfying culinary adventure.

Photos

Amenities & More

Service options

Onsite services
Takeout
Dine-in
Delivery

Highlights

Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection

Popular for

Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Dining options

Lunch
Dinner
Counter service
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities

Bar onsite
Restroom

Atmosphere

Casual
Cozy

Crowd

Groups
Tourists

Note: Amenity details are aggregated from verified visits, the venue's website and Google. They may change without notice. We recommend confirming key details (pet policy, accessibility, reservations) directly with Bells Fish and Chips before visiting.

Reviews for Bells Fish and Chips

4.4

1,096 reviews

100%

24%

Review highlights

Based on 1,096 reviews

Bells Fish and Chips in Durham consistently receives positive feedback for its high-quality, traditional fish and chips, with many customers praising the flavorful and generous portions served piping hot. The restaurant’s welcoming atmosphere, enhanced by thoughtful decor such as fairy lights, contributes to a pleasant dining experience both for eat-in guests and takeaway customers. Service is generally described as attentive, friendly, and efficient, even during busy periods, although a minority of reviews note occasional variability in staff warmth. While the menu offers classic dishes that satisfy most patrons, some non-traditional options have been less well received, suggesting a stronger focus on core fish and chips specialties may better serve the clientele. Overall, Bells Fish and Chips is regarded as a reliable and inviting destination for those seeking an authentic, enjoyable fish and chips meal in a relaxed setting.

Conrad Clayton

Jul 09, 2025

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.

Steven Pattison

May 29, 2025

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!

Samantha Ward

May 14, 2025

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!

Rosie Hope

May 09, 2025

The perfect spot for fish and chips, with both takeaway and eat in options available! We ate in for dinner on a Friday night, which surprisingly wasn’t too busy and the service was incredibly fast. Generous portion sizes and friendly staff. Very nicely decorated in fairy lights - a definite must visit.

Mr. Wig.

May 06, 2025

I did made a visit to the best fish & chips of 2025 and what a surprise the food was outstanding & so delicious beautiful restaurant and even the deco at the takeaway was beautifully decorated the only downside was the staff I didn’t found them very friendly or welcoming you but I still give 10 out of 10 and I car recommended Mr. Wig. YouTube

Thomas E

Apr 18, 2025

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!

Catherine Lee

Apr 02, 2025

They have a separate fryer to make their gluten free items

Ka Broon

Mar 17, 2025

First time trying here. Came because they do gluten free. Ordered: Small fish & chips with peas. Gluten free chips and peas. Tea and pop. Home made peas were delicious. Fish and chips were nice plus a canny cuppa. Gluten free chips were tasty too. Gluten free vinegar is in the glass bottles. . . . A little note to vegetarian / vegans: as standard everything is cooked in beef dripping. Veg oil is available, make sure to ask upon ordering. All of the staff were very helpful and friendly and the place is clean and well looked after.