IT'S GOOD Friday, which means only one thing - it's the official day to have a chippy lunch or tea.

Here are the five-under-the-radar fish and chip shops in hexham & district area who are deserving of award recognition for thei take on the classic British dish.

Paxtons

Where: Hexham

This Market Place, family-run fish and chip shop is always popular for a 'chippy tea'

Hexham Courant: Owners of Paxton's fish and chips Natalie and Lorna Paxton.Owners of Paxton's fish and chips Natalie and Lorna Paxton. (Image: NQ)

Balls

Where: Prudhoe

Winners of Come Dine with Me the Professionals in 2022 owner Anne Ball Blakeburn knows how to do fish properly.

Hexham Courant: Garry Stewart and Anne Ball Blakeburn Garry Stewart and Anne Ball Blakeburn  (Image: NQ)

The Sea Chef

Where: Acomb

One review this month said: "Excellent fish and chips and great value! Ordered 2 large haddock and chips. Went for a beer in the pub next door. 10 mins later picked up the fish and chips. Took them back to our lodgings. They were exceptional, fish very fresh, moist and flakey. Batter was light a crispy chips were perfect and large portions. The best fish and chips I have had for many years and very reasonably priced!"

Hexham Courant: The Sea Chef in Acomb The Sea Chef in Acomb (Image: Google Maps)

 Hexham Fish Bar

Where: Hexham

One customer said on Trip Advisor; "Oh such friendly staff ,fish was excellent the chips were true chips , we had the homemade mushy peas they reminded me of when my mum used to make them, so very special. If we lived nearer it would be a weekly must. Steak pies were also to die for. A must for locals and visitors alike."

Hexham Courant: Hexham Fish BarHexham Fish Bar (Image: Google Maps)

Oceans

Where:Haltwhistle 

One customer said"Best fish n chips we’ve ever had! We were visiting a house were renting in Allendale Town from the end of next month and needed some dinner on our way back to my sister’s house just over the border in Langholm. We were not disappointed. Lovely friendly chatty staff who cooked the most amazing fish just before they closed. VERY lucky this will be our local chippy soon 😀"

Hexham Courant: Oceans in HaltwhistleOceans in Haltwhistle (Image: Google Maps)