Fish and chips by the sea is one of my favourite things.
So much so that just last weekend when friends were visiting, I took them to a chippy at the coast. There's something about the sea air and the taste of salt and vinegar on battered fish and chips that's so relaxing and homely.
So, when I was asked to go to an award-winning family-run chippy in Whitley Bay for work, I accepted immediately. What I didn't realise is that I wouldn't be reviewing cod, scampi or even squid.
Go here for more what's on updates, news and reviews from around the North East
With Christmas coming up, Pantrini's on Whitley Bay's Marine Avenue decided to mark its 100th anniversary with a special festive menu - in other words Christmas favourites in the family's 'secret recipe batter'.
There are a few items to choose from. A 'Pantrini's Christmas sandwich' is the main dish at £4.50, while for £2.99 you've got the choice of pigs in blankets, stuffing and sprouts. Yes, really.
All come accompanied with the choice of cranberry sauce or a festive gravy (i.e. gravy with cranberry sauce in it). There's also brie but sadly they were all out of that when I visited.
We picked up one of everything and headed for Whitley Bay beach, where we were immediately joined by a load of eager locals desperate to get a share of our food.
Turkey is usually the main event on a Christmas dinner, so let's start with that. The Christmas sandwich comes loaded with panko turkey breast, cranberry sauce and stuffing in a stottie. The turkey was juicy and succulent and the panko breadcrumb meant it wasn't too far from chicken katsu (minus the sauce), which is one of my favourite dishes anyway. All good there.
Pigs in blankets are a top-tier Christmas dinner item, and I'm not sure deep frying improves them, but they hit the spot too. And the stuffing? Not something I'm mad over usually, but there was nowt wrong with it.
But what about the sprouts?
Lee Taylor, who co-owns Pantrini's said: "Love them or hate them, Brussels sprouts are a Christmas staple. Yet, dip them in Pantrini's traditional recipe batter and serve with cranberry sauce and we are yet to find a customer who doesn't love them."
Sorry Lee, but you have now. There were no seagulls where we ate, but I definitely wouldn't have complained if one of the crows or starlings had swooped in and carried off the box of sprouts.
I'm not sure I can find the words that will do what I thought justice as much as my face does here.
Overall though, the meal was pretty good. I didn't feel great afterwards, but then again I don't think most people would order every item on the festive menu to themselves.
It is a little bit jarring eating a deep-fried Christmas dinner to the sound of waves crashing behind you, but if that's a problem, Pantrini's has indoor seating and benches right outside.
I'd have the turkey sandwich and the pigs in blankets again. However, I have been to Pantrini's on other occasions and I'm not sure either of those would tempt me away from the delicious cod and chorizo fishcake I'd normally get.
If you want to try Pantrini's festive menu, it will be served until New Year's Day.
