To understand my experience at this diner, I will have to start at the beginning, for it is a tale…read moreof disappointment and redemption... of sore muscles and beautiful photos... but most of all, of fish, and of chips.
I took a train from Hartlepool to Sunderland during my holiday in the UK. My destination was a Grotto that I had been told about from a friend, that has a restaurant and pub that is built into a cave wall. I got off at the Sunderland train station and headed over to the interchange to take the bus up the coast. I had planned to stop first at Souter Lighthouse, but by the time I got to Roker Park, I hit the stop button on the bus and got off immediately. From there I decided to hoof it the rest of the way up the coast, about 7 miles total.
As I walked up the coast I saw many beautiful sites, and took many pictures along the way. I stopped at Souter Lighthouse, and even got a chance to go up into the lighthouse. From there I continued my journey to Marsden Grotto, only to find out that it was closed. I had hoped to get some fish and chips and a pint when I got there, but alas, my journey had come to its end, and my stomach had nothing to show for it.
I hiked back about another mile because I had seen some things from the lighthouse that I had missed along the path. By this time the sun was setting and my stomach was rumbling. I finally got back on the bus and headed towards the city. I had seen a few fish and chips joints there, it was only a matter of which one I would choose.
Keep in mind, up until this point, I had never had true, authentic, English fish and chips. This coupled with the fact that I had just hiked 8 miles, as well as the disappointment of the Grotto that wasn't open for business, you can imagine that Minchella's was a site for sore eyes. (and hungry belly) I chose Minchella's because it looked so dazzling, all lit up in the dark. There was no inside diner, but they had tables and chairs setup in front so that I could enjoy my feast under the moonlight.
"Fish and chips, please. And a diet coke." She asked if I wanted some fried breaded bits on top of it, to which I was much obliged. I smothered everything in salt and vinegar, and began to destroy the chips, which were covering up the fried fish. They had given me a wooden utensil that somewhat represented a spork, and it seemed to do the trick. Finally, I had cleared a path through the chips and it was time to have my first bite of savory, delicious fish. It was everything I had dreamed of and more. Quite honestly, one of the most epic and memorable meals I have ever had in my life.
While I would encourage anyone to try and duplicate the adventure I had, even if you're not so adventurous, I would still have to highly recommend Minchella's for fish and chips in Sunderland. Despite the epic journey that brought me to this small food stand, they do fish and chips right, and I find it hard to believe I'll find anything better for the rest of my days.
