Long queues for Good Friday fish and chips on Sunderland's seafront after lockdown restrictions are eased

Good Friday queues outside Minchella's and Queens Cafe, Seaburn, Sunderland.

Queues of people were spotted outside Minchella’s and Queen’s Cafe in Seaburn before the chippies opened on Friday, April 2, with families eager for their Good Friday fish and chips.

After lockdown restrictions were eased again on Monday, March 29, socially distanced lines snaked down the seafront as people patiently waiting for their food.

Many took advantage of being able to meet family and friends following months of lockdown since the start of 2021.

Vivienne Mercer and David Crumbie outside Minchella's, Seaburn.

Among the queue outside Minchella’s was David Crumbie, 55 from Sunderland he said: "Fish and chips has always been tradition and this place is really good, it's always busy - I'd say it was 8 out of 10.

"We're planning on taking a walk around the park over the weekend and will see some friends and family over the next few weeks."

Claire and Richard Knaggs were also out on the seafront with daughter Lucy, 9, and her grandmother Nancy Smith.

Richard said: "We've been for some chips at Minchellas and it's a tradition to have them.

People queue for fish and chips on Good Friday in Sunderland

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"It's the first time we've been out for them as we usually just have them at home so it's been nice.

Lucy rated the chips 10 out of 10 and mum Claire added: "We're still being cautious but we're looking forward to all the restrictions being lifted."

Elsewhere in the city, people met with loved ones and stopped off for some traditional fish and chips as the rain held off on Good Friday.

Nancy Smith, right, with Richard, Claire and Lucy Knaggs enjoying their fish and chips, Seaburn, Sunderland.

Katie Birch, 28, Ross Willcock, 30, and Samatha and Anthony Colthorpe, 28 and 31, were out with baby Ruby, nine months, after months apart.

Samantha said: "It's been strange for me because Ruby is nine months old but hasn't met anyone because of lockdown so it's nice to be able to meet up with people again."

Anthony said: "Me and Ross work together at Nissan so we've seen each other but I think everyone is fed up with all this now so I think everyone is pleased to be able to get out and about again!"

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