Colmans Seafood Temple is set to open its doors to offer a new seafood experience in its home town of South Shields.

From May 26th, the unique, family restaurant, housed in the historic landmark ‘Ghandi^s Temple^ will provide a broad range of high-quality seafood dishes and a cocktail and oyster bar, alongside traditional fish and chips, to eat in or takeaway.

With the opening of the new seafood restaurant, Colmans is creating more than 40 jobs within the local area, to cover all aspects of the business.

Newly appointed General Manager, Alex Vladoiu, has joined Colmans with nine years of industry experience and is keen to provide a different type of seaside experience for customers.

She said: "Colmans Seafood Temple will be different to every other fish and chip restaurant in the North East, because as well as featuring fish and chips, it will offer a range of local and sustainable seafood and will host a small plates seafood bar serving cocktails.

"The restaurant sells itself, thanks to the fabulous building and location, so we^re looking forward to welcoming seafood worshippers to enjoy not only the delicious dishes, but also some unrivalled views of the North East coastline.

"Colmans has a proud, ninety-year history, with agreat reputation for delivering the finest seafood, and I^m delighted to have joined at such an exciting time."

Following in the footsteps of the Ocean Road restaurant, Colmans Seafood Temple will operate a strict environmental policy by converting all waste oil to biofuel and using high energy efficient frying ranges and equipment.

The restaurant is planning to become MSC certified, meaning the seafood stocked comes from a sustainable source, a factor which is very important for Colmans^ owner, Richard Ord.

He said: "We are passionate about using locally sourced produce with fishing being such a large part of the local economy, plus they are also some of the best quality ingredients you can get."

Richard is delighted with the support the whole community has given to the new venture, especially towards the refurbishment of Ghandi^s Temple.

He added: "Originally built in the 1920s, the temple had fallen into disrepair. We^re thrilled to be able to restore the landmark to its former glory for future generations to enjoy."

For more information on Colmans Seafood Temple, please visit www.colmansfishandchips.co.uk/seafoodtemple