A few weeks ago before our glamping trip to Beadnell, I asked Instagram for recommendations on where to eat nearby. It’s been so long since I visit Beadnell, Seahouses and Bamburgh but I know so many people who go regularly I thought I’d see what came back. The Potted Lobster Bamburgh was probably the place that got the most suggestions.

With seafood being one of my absolute favourite menu choices there were no complaints from me at all, but when I tried to book there were no available dates for 6 weeks in advance. A few people suggested we tried to walk in as they have an outside seating area too.

Our first full day we head up to Bamburgh, and after a bit of a potter around we went to find it and try our luck. There was a big sign outside saying due to staff shortages they weren’t operating the walk in outside area at all for a few days.

Desperately disappointed I marched us to the nearby beer garden for a drink and to decide what we would have for lunch instead. While we were there I checked the website one last time and I’m calling it fate but I got a cancellation for the next day. 

The booking system is good as it tells you the next available date, and gives you a choice of dog friendly or no dogs allowed sections. Thankfully we got a dog friendly table and it must have been pure good luck as within minutes there were no tables left.

We returned to Bamburgh the next day and although we had ate so much good food over our few days stay, this was the place I was most excited for. We were shown to our table and given a run through of the specials. 

The restaurant itself is lovely, very airy and coastal beach vibes with white chairs, wooden walls and local artwork for decoration. 

To start I was torn between two, the Lindisfarne oysters and the potted lobster. I went for the potted lobster which was shrimp, crab and lobster mixed, served with warm toast and butter. Honestly – amazing!

Kieran had one of the starter specials – the king scallops skewers and he polished those off too. Both starters were a good size and the specials change daily as it’s all locally sourced so dependent on what they catch.

For mains Kieran had already ate so much seafood on this trip that he went for the lamb, so it’s good to know there are other options if you aren’t a fan of seafood. I however obviously am and went for the lobster.

It comes one of three ways, I chose the grilled with garlic and parsley sauce and have no regrets it was delicious. Washed down with a cold glass of light rosé I couldn’t have been happier and it was fully worth the effort it took to eventually get a table. 

If I’d been with my dad I’m pretty sure we would have shared the seafood platter, so I’d love to go again and get one. The mussels also sounded mouth watering and there were a good few catch of the day fish choices on the board too like halibut, black bream, hake and monkfish. 

Most other tables in at the same time as us had been before, so people clearly return time after time and I can definitely see why. The food was easily the best seafood I’ve had up in Northumberland, and I know that’s a big shout! 

The staff were excellent, and considering how popular it obviously is and how many they were turning away they don’t rush you through your meal at all. They really friendly and efficient, and happy to make recommendations for both the food and wine.

If you’re planning on visiting the Potted Lobster, Bamburgh then make sure you book well in advance. As with most seafood I wouldn’t say it was cheap, but it definitely wasn’t extortionate I thought it was very reasonably priced even for the lobster and the various specials. If you’re getting bottles of wine I can see the bill creeping up but for a place like that I wouldn’t cut corners. Go all out and enjoy it. I can’t wait to go back.

See the full menu and book online at The Potted Lobster Bamburgh here.

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