Ex-US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton stunned guests at a British seaside chippy after she dropped in for dinner following a speech. The former first lady stayed for two hours at Colmans restaurant after delivering the annual South Shields Lecture with ex-local MP David Miliband on Friday (June 3).
Richard Colman Ord, 29, the owner of the chippy, said it was “surreal” to welcome the renowned politician to his 100-year-old seafront family-run shop. He said he knew that she would be coming to eat at the business, in South Shields, Tyne and Wear, but added it “wasn’t every day that Hillary Clinton pops into your restaurant”.
Richard said Mrs Clinton, flanked by several secret service agents, tucked into traditional £12.95 fish and chips, and later posed with staff and guests.
He said: “She had a great time. She was so engaging with all the guests and so accommodating with the staff. She had a local crab salad to start and then had our classic fish and chips, and she loved the tartar sauce so much she had seconds.”
He added: "We didn't charge them for the meal, as it's something we do every year with David Miliband, but our crab on toast is £12.95 and our classic cod and chip is £12.95 too."
Richard said that Hillary Clinton had arrived at his fish and chip restaurant, which frequently welcomes guests from the annual South Shields Lecture, at around 8pm.
He said: “I did know she was coming. David Miliband is our ex-MP for South Shields. Every year we work with him as he puts on the annual lecture. Hillary Clinton very kindly agreed to do it and came to South Shields, which was incredible as she’s one of the biggest names we’ve had.
Richard, who works at the restaurant with his father, also called Richard, added: “She really spent a lot of time with all of our guests. She ended up staying for a couple of hours. She was really great."
Paul Skerritt, a professional Jazz singer who entertained guests at the restaurant, said Hillary Clinton was surrounded by secret service agents when she arrived for the late night meal.
He said: “She arrived around 8.15pm and left around 10.15pm. She had a secret service detail and there were police there as well, but it was very relaxed.
"She was lovely and very complimentary about the music and food. She also took the traditional Colmans photo with Richard Snr and Junior who run the fish and chip restaurant.”
