If you really want to take it easy this Bank Holiday step away from the kitchen and get someone else to do the cooking.

With that in mind, a very British supper of fish and chips would make for a fitting feast at the end of the day – but which restaurant to go to?

We’ve turned to Tripadvisor to see which places serving up a chippy tea in Darlington and County Durham have scored most highly from customer reviews, to make sure your long weekend isn’t spoiled by cold cod, imperfect plaice, or horrid haddock.

The Fox Hole

Where: Piercebridge, Darlington DL2 3SJ

Rating: 4/5

One customer wrote: "Looking for somewhere to have lunch while travelling over to Teesside, drove into Piercebridge looking for a pub and did we fund a lovely one!

"Food was 5 star, staff so friendly and polite, might have to make a special trip back."

Middleton In Teesdale Fish and Chip Shop

Where: 49 Market Place, Middleton-in-Teesdale, Barnard Castle, DL12 0RJ

Rating: 4.5/5

One customer wrote: “Well then, this is a top-class chippy. Loved the fish and chips on Thursday after our walk. Staff in there were brilliant. Had a chat about celebs and Chorley whilst my food was cooking fresh. What a lovely friendly group of folk with some top chippy cooking skills.

“Will be back for pies next time.”

You can read more reviews on Tripadvisor.

The Otter and Fish

Where: 1 Strait Lane, Hurworth-on-Tees, Darlington DL2 2AH

Rating: 4.5/5

One customer wrote: "Excellent food, service and atmosphere at The Otter and Fish!

"Catered brilliantly to my gluten-free needs, with almost all menu items adaptable to gluten-free requirements, prevention of cross-contamination was also explained really well by the staff.

"Good value and really tasty food. Very friendly service, will definitely return next time I am in the area!"

Bells Fish Restaurant

Where: Market Square, Durham, DH1 3NE

Rating: 4.5/5

One happy customer wrote: “When in England, we’re always on the lookout for a great fish n chips place and Bells delivered the goods flawlessly. The cod and haddock were perfectly crisped with the right amount of flakiness. My kids just loved it. I’d highly recommend Bells while you’re in Durham city centre.”

You can read more reviews on Tripadvisor.

Burtree Inn

Where: Burtree Lane, Darlington DL2 2XZ

Rating: 4/5

One customer wrote: "We always enjoy the meals at The Burtree as they are home cooked and value for money.

"We had lightly battered haddock with mushy peas and chips and chicken Maryland.

"The haddock was the best fish I've tasted and the whole meal was delicious. My husband always enjoys his chicken Maryland."

Downeys of Seaham

Where: 5 North Terrace, Seaham, SR7 7EU

Rating: 4/5

This customer enjoyed their visit, writing: “Went back to Downeys for lunch.

“Great to see waiter service again.”

You can read more reviews on Tripadvisor.

They continued: “Brilliant as usual.

“The wife had the regular-sized cod and I had the large cod and a plate of chips between us. Just as well as the cods where great cooked to perfection and served by very friendly staff.

“What a great meal in pleasant surroundings and friendly staff.”

Yarm Road Fish and Chips

Where: 366 Yarm Road, Darlington, DL1 1XL

Rating: 4.5/5

One person said: “We order 2 x Fish and Chips and 2x Fish every Friday for 3 years or more always hot and tasty Fish & Chips we look forward to them all week and have never had a bad meal in all that time the staff work hard and efficiently will be collecting our order again on Friday thanks again.”