An award-winning fish and chip shop is so codtastic that a war has broken out over car parking spots.

Nestled in a residential area and less than 10 minutes from the beach Seabreeze in Redcar is a firm favourite among locals with the chippy winning Teeside’s Best Fish and Chip shop for 2024 as voted by readers of The Evening Gazette.

Earlier this year North Yorkshire eatery made the PETA’s list for Best Vegan Fish and Chips. Its vegan menu celebrates the sea without harming the animals who live there,” says PETA Director of Vegan Corporate Projects Dawn Carr.

The chippy - which is passionate about “supporting those in our local community” - has all the favourite fish options from cod, haddock and scampi as well.

The family run restaurant, who has a five out of five hygiene rating, aims to provide customers with the “fines fish and chips” while taking time to ensure all their food is freshly prepared.

However, the eatery is surrounded by double yellow lines, making it difficult for drivers to pop in to get their fish and chips.

Samantha Teasdale recalled that a police officer took a social media battering for parking on double yellow lines on his lunch break to quickly nip into Seabreeze.

Cleveland Police said the officer concerned had received “suitable advice” from a superior adding that all officers were reminded that they should not park police vehicles illegally “unless for a lawful policing purpose, or in exceptional circumstances”.

Redcar and Cleveland Council said it was aware of the problem and planned more enforcement patrols.

Jo Haigh, who lives in Queen Street, said she feared “someone could be killed or injured” because of cars parking outside the takeaway.

She said there had been several near misses, one recently involving her daughter as she drove out of her street.

She said: “For children or elderly crossing that road it is extremely dangerous, but so is driving out of our street safely.”

Although there is no parking outside the chippy there are pay and display bays a short walk away and there is two-hour street parking in Queen Street, opposite Geoff Crust Furniture Store just a minute's walk away.

The less-than-convenient parking situation doesn’t seem to put off customers who flock back to the eatery time after time.

Taking to Tripadvisor one reviewer who visited in June 2024 said: “Wow my wife and I visited here today for fish and chips for lunch, been here a few times before and always enjoyed them so we were expecting the same quality and we were not disappointed.

“It was absolutely delicious, keep up the good work.”

Another added that the chippy has proved so popular that people were even queuing out the door to get their hands on the award-winning food.

Jim C said: “We made our regular visit to Seabreeze for Fish and Chips on Friday evening of June 21. Queue was out the door but we didn't have to wait long.

“The gluten-free fish and chips were the same as last time, GREAT. Service was efficient and cheerful. 

“The staff all seem to get on well with each other. Great team. Will be back.”