Business Details
Award-Winning Gastropub with Stunning Sea Views
Established in 1847, The Jolly Fisherman is a historic gastropub nestled on the Northumberland coast in Craster. Our establishment combines tradition with modern culinary excellence, offering panoramic sea views and a menu centred on freshly caught seafood sourced from trusted local suppliers. We pride ourselves on preserving the pub's original charm, including stone-flagged floors and low beamed ceilings, while delivering exceptional dining experiences. Our chefs craft dishes using Lindisfarne oysters, North Shields dressed crab, and Craster-landed lobster, alongside vegetarian options and homemade steak pies.Recognised for our scenic beer garden and accolades such as inclusion in the UK's Top 100 Romantic Restaurants, we prioritise quality, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. With flexible seating across our restaurant, bar, and beer garden, we cater to diverse preferences while maintaining a commitment to warm hospitality and seasonal innovation.
Services
Seafood Dining
Local Produce Cuisine
Scenic Beer Garden
Seasonal Menus
Vegetarian Options
Highlights and features
- We serve daily-changing seafood menus featuring Craster-landed lobster and Lindisfarne oysters.
- Our chefs combine traditional recipes with modern culinary techniques for exceptional dishes.
- Panoramic views of Dunstanburgh Castle and the North Sea enhance the dining experience.
- Recognised in the UK's Top 100 Romantic Restaurants and Top 5 Beer Gardens.
- We maintain historic charm with stone-flagged floors and low beamed ceilings.
What people say
Breathtaking coastal views
Freshly caught seafood
Historic charm
Award-winning service
Scenic beer garden
Services
Seafood Specials
Our seafood specials showcase the daily catch, including Craster-landed lobster and North Shields dressed crab. Sourced from trusted local suppliers like Frank Round Fish Merchants, these dishes highlight the North Sea's bounty. Each preparation emphasizes freshness and traditional techniques, from our famous crab soup to grilled whole fish.
Local Produce Cuisine
We partner with Lindisfarne Oysters, Trotters Family Bakers, and other Northumberland producers to create menus celebrating local ingredients. Our homemade steak, ale, and mushroom pie uses Trotters' artisan pastry, while seasonal vegetables come from nearby farms. This commitment ensures authenticity and supports regional agriculture.
Scenic Beer Garden
The beer garden offers al fresco dining with uninterrupted views of Dunstanburgh Castle and the North Sea. Designed for walk-ins, it features comfortable seating and a relaxed atmosphere. Guests enjoy real ales and light meals while experiencing Northumberland's coastal beauty, with seasonal heating for year-round use.
Seasonal Menus
Menus evolve daily based on the freshest available ingredients, with a dedicated 'Catch of the Day' board. Our chefs adapt recipes to highlight seasonal produce, such as spring asparagus or autumn game. This approach ensures culinary creativity while maintaining a focus on sustainability and local availability.
Vegetarian Options
We offer diverse vegetarian dishes crafted with seasonal vegetables from Northumberland farms. Options include roasted root vegetable tarts, wild mushroom risottos, and innovative plant-based reinterpretations of classic pub fare. All dishes are prepared separately in a kitchen where allergen awareness is prioritised.
Questions
What makes The Jolly Fisherman unique?
We combine 1847 heritage with modern seafood cuisine, offering daily-changing menus based on the North Sea catch and panoramic views of Dunstanburgh Castle.
Can I bring my dog to The Jolly Fisherman?
Dogs are welcome in our bar area but not in the restaurant or beer garden to maintain hygiene standards.
Are reservations required?
While walk-ins are accepted in the bar and beer garden, we recommend booking in advance as tables are released after a 15-minute grace period.
Do you cater for dietary restrictions?
Our chefs can adapt dishes for allergies or dietary needs, though our kitchen contains nuts. Please discuss requirements with staff before ordering.
What awards has The Jolly Fisherman won?
We've been named in England's Top 5 Beer Gardens, the UK's Top 100 Romantic Restaurants, and OpenTable's Top 100 Restaurants with Healthy Bites.
Is parking available?
Public parking is available in Craster village, with consideration for local residents.
Reviews (4)
Steven Bird
Jan 30, 2022
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Our fourth visit here and still it impresses us every time. Met up with folk we hadn't seen for a couple of years for lunch and after we had finished our delicious meal we were very much left alone. Food here is great and plentiful too, our table chose smoked salmon and prawn cocktails, mussels, seafood platters, scampi, the cod loin with dauphinoise potatoes and the house burger. All were served quietly and quickly and hot. Staff were attentive without being intrusive
ItzMillertime Studios
Jan 09, 2022
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Fantastic homely feeling sat by the log fire surrounded by great food. Seafood specialities but also Sunday roasts. Very great place to eat and drink
Oli
Dec 25, 2021
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Currently visiting home from Canada over the Christmas period and am extremely happy we came to the Jolly Fisherman.
Firstly, my fish pie was a magical mystery tour of various delicious seafood, and an absolute taste sensation. The entire table thoroughly enjoyed everything that was ordered.
Secondly, even though the establishment was understaffed due to some having to isolate, management had pulled staff from their other locations, and our server in particular; Sam, was fantastic. Knowledgeable of the menu, exceptionally friendly and polite and generally pleasure to have serve us. I'm sure
Firstly, my fish pie was a magical mystery tour of various delicious seafood, and an absolute taste sensation. The entire table thoroughly enjoyed everything that was ordered.
Secondly, even though the establishment was understaffed due to some having to isolate, management had pulled staff from their other locations, and our server in particular; Sam, was fantastic. Knowledgeable of the menu, exceptionally friendly and polite and generally pleasure to have serve us. I'm sure
Tom Keating
Nov 23, 2021
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Excellent food and service. Our group were welcomed early due to inclement weather. Wide ranging menu and great varied choice.
Booking is essential to avoid disappointment. It is a very popular place in a beautiful location.
Booking is essential to avoid disappointment. It is a very popular place in a beautiful location.
