The Potted Lobster Bamburgh
Bamburgh, Northumberland
It’s the clamour for local seafood that creates a convivial buzz at this congenial little spot just off Bamburgh’s photogenic village green – even on a Monday in the depths of winter. The modern, two-room interior has a slight beach-hut vibe with its duck-egg blue walls and wooden flooring, but the Potted Lobster is a couple of notches upmarket from a café, with smart wooden furniture and prompt amenable service from good-natured young staff. Couples and larger groups come here to peruse the blackboard menu, which contains the marine life and specials currently available (there’s also a laminated list). Creamy smoked haddock chowder makes an enjoyably filling opener to stave off a cold night. A relative of Cullen skink (and a reminder of the proximity of the Scottish border) it arrives brimful with fish, carrots, sweetcorn, potato and celery, plus a hunk of fresh sourdough on the side. To follow, it’s scarcely surprising that locally caught lobster is a popular option, served in various classic styles. At inspection, the expertly grilled crustacean, bouncy and juicy, came with a rich, cheesy thermidor sauce, garlic dip, crunchy-fresh salad and large, soft chips (plain rice would have provided a more balanced alternative). Otherwise, the likes of twice-cooked shoulder of lamb or butternut squash risotto are on hand for fish refuseniks. As befits a good seafood restaurant, puddings are worth considering: our dense, zesty lemon tart arrived with a scoop of raspberry sorbet, whipped cream and a couple of fresh raspberries; others have praised the ‘brilliant’ passion fruit Eton mess. Drinks are also a plus here, with local real ale and a few cocktails augmenting a white-heavy wine list pepped up with monthly specials.
Dining Information:
Wheelchair access, Family friendly, Dog friendly
3 Lucker Road, Bamburgh, Northumberland NE69 7BS
01668 214088
