The last two years have given us all chance to explore more of what’s on our doorstep (I’m almost sick of saying it), and for me that has undoubtedly included a lot of new food places. I’ve been to and seen more of Northumberland than ever before, and discovered some new gems as well as old favourites. Thought I’d share 6 places to eat on the Northumberland coast that you shouldn’t miss if you’re looking for high quality, local, fresh food as part of a day out. There’s everything from a good Sunday roast, to seafood and all the usual pub grub like burgers and pies.

The Potted Lobster, Bamburgh

Seafood lovers this is one for you and I’ve spoke a lot about it since we visited in the summer. Up in Bamburgh, The Potted Lobster has an incredible seafood menu and plenty specials of the day to choose from the board too. There were non seafood options for anyone in your party who isn’t a fan. 

When we went I had the potted lobster to start followed by lobster in garlic butter. Fully overloaded on the lobster but it was delicious, and washed down with a glass of rosé. 

The restaurant itself is lovely, very airy with indoor and outdoor seating, as well as a dog friendly area. The service was very good I really liked the staff who knew the menu inside out and could recommend plenty including wine choices. Booking in advance is essential though as it’s very popular.

Read my full blog on the Potted Lobster experience here. 

The Craster Arms, Beadnell

A proper British pub with a big beer garden, if you’re looking for massive portions that are just as big in taste as they are in size then head to The Craster Arms. Right in the centre of Beadnell I loved this place.

It was summer so the beer garden was a real sun trap, but they also had sheltered huts outside too that could be booked out, as well as inside which would be lovely and cosy in autumn and winter. 

The menu has a lot of choice, including sandwiches, jacket potatoes and ploughman’s lunches for earlier in the day, and proper bar meals for something bigger. They also have a specials board with locally sourced seafood. 

One of those places if you aren’t driving you could easily spend hours.

Visit the Craster Arms website here.

Beadnell Towers, Beadnell

Beadnell Towers came highly recommended by a lot of people when I requested restaurant suggestions in Beadnell. It was within walking distance of our glamping hut and we booked to go on the Saturday night. As well as being recommended I was told it was on the pricey side especially if you’re having cocktails, but it’s worth it for the food. 

It was lovely inside, more of a bar than a restaurant and like most places up there it’s dog friendly. It was very popular with almost all tables reserved so if you fancy it definitely book. 

I’m going to be honest and say the food was nice, but I wasn’t blown away by it. We both had the steak and it was overcooked from what we had requested (medium rare), it was definitely medium with parts even well done. My cocktail was lovely and I don’t remember thinking it was too expensive. 

We shared a bottle of wine and rather than have desert we went back for toasted marshmallows which probably reduced the bill. 

I would go back as it was a lovely spot, but I’d probably go for something  different and a bit more ‘pub food’ – like the burger or fish and chips next time. 

See the full Beadnell Towers menu and book online here. 

The Whittling House, Alnmouth

This place was recommended to us by one of Kieran’s friends after he saw my blog on The Potted Lobster. They market themselves as a boutique hotel and bar for laid back luxury and that’s exactly what it was. 

There’s the restaurant area and a dog friendly bar area but both were done beautifully so they didn’t look any different from each other, with big log burners and cosy country decor.

We were there on a Sunday so had Sunday roast, but it was a big menu with plenty of other choices available too. Being on the Alnmouth Northumberland coast there were plenty fish and seafood choices, as well as seasonal options.

We both had the fishcake to start, and then Northumbrian sirloin beef roast dinner with all the trimmings and a side of cauliflower cheese. I also noticed they had pigs in blankets on the side menu too, first ones I’ve seen.

Staff were lovely and I really enjoyed it.

Book a table, view the menu and browse the hotel rooms on the Whittling House website here.

Cook & Barker Inn, Newton on the Moor

The Cook & Barker was recommended to us by Kieran’s mam, as a good dog friendly option near the caravan at Newton on the Moor. There is plenty parking, and there’s a restaurant area as well as a less formal bar area which is the dog friendly section.

It’s one of my favourites because as soon as you walk in it’s like a proper pub, with a big fire and the staff are really good. There’s like a snug section which just a few tables we sat in the first time we went with friends and it was great, especially with Arthur too.

Food wise I can’t fault it, on both occasions we’ve been it’s been brilliant. Everything from steak, to fish and chips, lobster loaded fries, the Camembert sharer, soup of the day it’s all been delicious. Very much recommend if you’re up that way.

Book a table and view the menus here.

The Old Boathouse, Amble

It’s been too long since I ate here but I’ve not forgotten how good it is. The rustic spot on the Amble harbour is gorgeous, and one that seafood lovers can’t miss. They have everything you could want on a good seafood menu and it’s top quality. 

From small plates to large plates and platters there’s everything – calamari, fish and chips, lobster, prawns, mussels, Lindisfarne oysters and all sorts of fish variations.

As well as The Boathouse the same people own the Fish Shack further along the harbour too. Due to the location you’re guaranteed locally sourced, fresh food. No wonder they’re award winning. Just make sure you book. 

Visit The Old Boathouse website here.

These are just 6 places to eat on the Northumberland coast, and my favourites, but there are many more both on my list to try and further inland that I’ve been to but not mentioned. Here’s a couple:

Lord Crewe Arms, Bamburgh

The Angel, Corbridge

The Granby, Longframlington 

Sea & Soil, Amble

Broken Bottles, Alnwick

Red Lion, Alnmouth

The Jolly Fisherman, Craster

Other posts you might like:

Endless Experiences with Visit Northumberland this Autumn/Winter

A walk from Craster to Dunstanburgh Castle

Shepherd’s Retreat glamping with wood fired hot tub in Beadnell

The Potted Lobster, Bamburgh

Things to see and do in Warkworth & Amble – from the locals