Located in a peaceful area of Murton, a short stroll from Dalton Park, this tiny but remarkably bustling takeaway keeps redefining the possibilities of fast food. Combining strong Chinese street food flavors with classic British chip shop fare, Dalton Fish and Chips & Chinese Restaurant has become a hybrid culinary hotspot. Dalton’s impact stems from something far more sustainable than the gimmicks and extravagant branding used by many restaurants: food that tastes homemade, is generously portioned, and is served with unmistakable heart.
Dalton leaned in during the pandemic, when takeaway culture became not only practical but also necessary—not by taking shortcuts, but by raising the bar. The restaurant established a mealtime ritual for many families by providing dishes like their now-iconic Salt & Pepper Boxes, which are piled high with ribs, chicken wings, egg-fried rice, shredded chili chicken, and golden spring rolls. These boxes are more than just filling; they are incredibly well-layered, which is especially helpful for those who want a single tray that combines crunch, heat, and savory balance.
Dalton Fish and Chips & Chinese Restaurant
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Dalton Fish and Chips & Chinese Restaurant |
| Address | The Colliery Inn, Woods Terrace, Murton, Seaham SR7 9AD, United Kingdom |
| Price Range | £10–20 per person |
| Style of Cuisine | British Fish & Chips with Chinese Fusion |
| Ordering Options | Dine-in, Takeaway, Delivery, Online at daltonchinese.co.uk |
| Notable Offers | Buy One Get One Free (Thu & Fri lunchtime special) |
| Popular Dishes | 14″ Mighty Box, Crispy Aromatic Duck, Satay Chicken, Sweet & Sour Chicken |
| Payment Methods | Cash (in-store), Card (online orders) |
| Opening Hours | Lunch: Thu–Fri 11:30–13:30 |
| Official Website | https://www.daltonchinese.co.uk |
Places like Dalton stand out for being both approachable and daring, which is particularly important in medium-sized towns like Murton where dining options can feel limited or formulaic. For example, their 14″ Mighty Box reads like a festival lineup: chili fries, sticky spare ribs, salt and pepper wings, crispy chicken, and your choice of sauce. It’s more of an edible adventure than a meal, and it’s surprisingly reasonably priced, especially when shared by two or more people. Additionally, Dalton’s food is always fresh and prepared with a care that feels comfortingly human, in contrast to many takeout options that put speed before quality.
Dalton has capitalized on something very adaptable by combining a variety of Chinese appetizers with standard fish and chip shop fare. You might prefer hot and sour soup and sesame prawn toasts one evening. On top of that, you’re eating chips and battered cod. Their BYOF (bring your own feast) box specials and flexibility have attracted an incredibly wide range of customers. It has been praised by construction workers, young couples, seniors, and even TikTok content creators. That variety of customers is a source of pride for the staff behind the counter.
Dalton’s buy one, get one free promotion has made Thursday lunchtime a ritual, according to Tracey, a local mother of three. “It’s the taste, not just the savings,” she stated. It tastes like my nan’s food, but with more spiciness. This sentimental connection between food and family draws attention to something more profound: Dalton’s meals are comforting and come in biodegradable containers in addition to being deliciously prepared.
British takeaway has quietly undergone a revolution in the last ten years. The greasy, low-effort stereotype of the past has been significantly supplanted by family-run, innovative restaurants that are just as concerned with affordability as they are with flavor integrity. Dalton is a good illustration. They have created a dining model that is both sustainable and enticing by optimizing processes and freeing up energy for culinary innovation. They have also positioned themselves to prosper in a market that is becoming more and more influenced by mobile-first behaviors through strategic digital partnerships and an extremely effective online ordering system.
Since its initial iterations, their website has undergone significant improvement, enabling secure payment methods, repeat order functionality, and easy ordering. Although this infrastructure might appear simple, it’s incredibly inventive for a small local takeaway. Clients can precisely schedule their pickups, personalize their orders, and peruse extensive menus. Additionally, Dalton’s consistent pricing and high-value meal deals feel both thoughtful and calculated in light of the global inflation pressure on prices.
Dalton has unexpectedly gained traction in relation to social media trends. Visibility has increased naturally as a result of Facebook reviews complimenting the flavorful duck and TikTok videos showing bites of Cantonese chicken dripping with sauce. Dalton thrives on unadulterated authenticity, in contrast to larger franchises that rely on sophisticated marketing. Customers upload unfiltered photos, and the gleaming noodles, the heaping boxes, and the golden batter do the talking.
However, there have been difficulties along the way. Like many small businesses, they have encountered logistical challenges, especially when it comes to delays during peak hours. Wait times can be lengthy on busy weekends, and some reviews have mentioned deliveries that are slower than anticipated. With better coordination behind the counter and more transparent communication through their ordering platform, this problem appears to have significantly decreased in recent weeks. Dalton’s response has been incredibly successful in the current environment, where dependability frequently makes the difference between retaining customers and losing them.
Customer Reviews – Dalton Fish and Chips
| Reviewer Name | Date | Dish Ordered | Review Summary | Rating (Out of 5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stuart Alderson | May 2025 | Salt & Pepper Box | Great food and extremely quick. Staff were friendly and highly efficient. | 5.0 |
| Gabby Porteous | Apr 2025 | Delivery Order | Food was tasty, but the 2-hour wait was frustrating. Room for improvement. | 2.0 |
| Victoria Harper | Mar 2025 | Chicken Curry | Curry sauce was too spicy for the kids—recommend ordering it separately. | 4.0 |
| Sabrina Corrin | Apr 2025 | Mighty Box | Massive portion, perfect for sharing. Chicken was tender and sauce flavorful. | 5.0 |
| Connor Jenkins | Mar 2025 | Sweet & Sour Chicken | Not overly sweet, well-balanced. Sauce paired nicely with the rice. | 4.5 |
| Luke Marshall | Feb 2025 | Thursday Lunch Deal | Excellent value. Got two full meals for the price of one. Surprisingly generous. | 5.0 |
| Nicky Bell | Jan 2025 | Aromatic Duck | Pancakes were fresh, duck crispy and flavorful. Truly memorable. | 5.0 |
| Ellie Walters | Dec 2024 | Munchie Box | So many delicious options in one tray. Loved the chicken skewers especially. | 5.0 |
| Dave Hamilton | Nov 2024 | Fish & Chips | Batter was perfectly crisp, fish flaky. Exceptionally clear flavors overall. | 4.8 |
Dalton stands for something much greater for its community than just the food and event. It is a place where cultural curiosity and culinary tradition coexist. A place where chicken satay skewers and garlic butter prawns are served alongside battered cod. Fusion is not a fad; rather, it is the result of experimentation, necessity, and a deep understanding of what the locals want.
Dalton represents how food can bring people together and is more than just a takeaway for many. It meets the needs of people of all ages, tastes, and financial and appetite ranges. And such a humble, warm, and resilient gathering place seems especially necessary for a town like Murton.
