00:01The Princess Royal visited Coleman's, a family-run fish and chip restaurant on Ocean Road in South
00:06Shields, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. Founded in 1926, the business is now
00:12in its fifth generation and remains on its original site, maintaining traditional recipes
00:17and serving the local community. Inside the restaurant's Seafood Temple,
00:21opened in 2017 in a former seafront bandstand, the Princess sampled classic dishes including fish,
00:27chips and tartar sauce, observing the preparation and speaking with staff about day-to-day operations.
00:33Director Richard Coleman-Ord described the visit as a full-circle moment,
00:37recalling that Princess Anne had presented his father with an MBE for services to hospitality
00:42and regeneration in 2021. Following the restaurant visit, the Princess attended South Shield's
00:49Volunteer Life Brigade, which is marking its 160th year, a milestone celebrated for its
00:54continuous record of life-saving and local community service.
00:59Honorary Secretary Tom Fennelly described it as a momentous day and highlighted the Brigade's
01:04dedication, while volunteers spoke about training and safety work. She spent time inside the Grade
01:092-listed watch house, speaking with volunteers and observing equipment. Local school children
01:13welcomed her with flags and flowers, while some described being quizzed on coastal safety.
01:18The Princess's visit also reinforced the cultural and economic significance of family-owned businesses,
01:23for regional identity and community cohesion.
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