Northumberland: Where to Eat and Drink in Bamburgh
Monday 13th December, 2021 by hs-admin
If you’re looking for holiday lets on the Northumberland coast, then Bamburgh and the surrounding area must be top of your list. Guarded by its castle high above, the village of Bamburgh is small but perfectly formed, offering everything you could ever need in a holiday destination – sea, sand and amazing views.
And if there’s one thing the sea air is guaranteed to do, it’s work up an appetite – so here’s our guide to the best places to eat in and around this stunning Northumberland hotspot.
The Potted Lobster
With its position on the coast, you’d expect seafood to be high on the agenda in Bamburgh – and you’d be right.
The Potted Lobster, on the outskirts of the village, offers a relaxed vibe that belies its high-end menu, which has led to it being featured in the 2018, 2019, 2000 and 2021 editions of the Michelin Guide.
The focus is on fresh, local produce using simple ingredients, combined expertly by head chef Richard Sim to create mouthwatering dishes.
The menu features a range of seafood favourites, including lobster, oysters and chowder, along with a couple of meat options to keep the carnivores happy too and a range of seasonal specials.
Find out more about The Potted Lobster, Bamburgh.
R Carter & Son
R Carter – or the Bamburgh Butcher as it’s more commonly known – has been serving villagers and tourists from the same site in Front Street since 1887.
Described as a ‘butcher, baker and sausage roll maker’, in reality, it is much more. The business has been in the family for four generations, and is currently run by founder Robert’s great-grandson Michael.
In high season, queues can form around the block to stock up on goodies such as the Bamburgh Banger, home cured bacon, Scotch pies, and their iconic sausage rolls – which have been described as the best in Britain.
Find out more about R Carter & Son, Bamburgh Butchers.
Lord Crewe Arms
If you’re looking for a cosy village pub, the Lord Crewe in the town’s main street, is ideal. Situated at the foot of the village, in the imposing shadow of Bamburgh Castle, it’s an ideal place to warm up and recharge ahead of braving the North Sea – whatever the weather.
The menu leans towards the classic – burgers, scampi and steak – with a nod to the local area in the form of moules mariniere and kippers from down the coast in Craster.
Again, the focus is on local suppliers and fresh produce, while the bar stocks a wide range of real ales, craft beer, and spirits.
Above the restaurant are seven en-suite bedrooms with stunning castle views, but be aware that children under 12 are not accepted.
Find out more about The Lord Crewe, Bamburgh.
Wyndenwell
It wouldn’t be a trip to the seaside without an ice cream, and Wyndenwell has dozens to choose from.
This small café and ice cream parlour, just along from the Lord Crewe Arms and with stunning views of the castle, is famed for its wide range of flavours, courtesy of Beckleberry’s, another Northern firm.
From classic chocolate and vanilla to the more unusual flavours of Horlicks and Malteser and liquorice and blackcurrant, there’s sure to be a taste for everyone to savour.
Find out more about Wyndenwell, Bamburgh.
Creel and Reel
Somewhat unexpectedly, in Links Road, between Bamburgh and Seahouses, you’ll find exquisite seafood being sold from a trailer in a car park.
Opposite the quaint Armstrong Cottages, which were built by castle owner Lord Armstrong to house workers during the 1901 renovations, is Creel and Reel, which offers such delights as monkfish and chorizo skewers, scallop and bacon rolls and devilled whitebait.
From there it’s just a short yet vigorous walk over the dunes to the beach, which offers stunning views of the castle and the coastline.
Find out more about Creel and Reel and always remember to check opening times on social media before you travel.
The Jolly Fisherman
No talk of Northumberland seafood would be complete without mentioning The Jolly Fisherman, 12 miles south of Bamburgh, in Craster.
Offering stunning sea views across the harbour to the atmospheric ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, this cosy village pub has been serving up seafood since 1847.
The menu offers a selection of fresh catches, including crab soup, North Shields dressed crab salad and Craster landed lobster. Guests can enjoy their food inside by a roaring fire, or outside on the terrace, watching the waves crash on the harbour walls below and listening to the call of the local seals.
And if you’ve still not had your fill, it’s just a minute’s walk to the famous L Robson and Son, where the Robson family have been producing the world’s finest smoked salmon and kippers for nearly 100 years.
Find out more about The Jolly Fisherman, Northumberland.
Embers
If seafood is not for you, some of the best pizza in the North East is available from yet another car park, this one inland from Craster, in Embleton.
Embers has gained a cult following over recent years, offering delicious wood-fired pizzas from a storage container next to gift shop Eleanor’s Byre.
With limited capacity, it’s a case of quality not quantity, and food sells out quick – once they’re gone, they’re gone, so it’s best to be early. As befitting its cult status, opening times are flexible and fluid – always check the latest on social media.
Find out more about Embers, Embleton.
Are your taste buds tingling yet? Find a place to begin your culinary tour of Northumberland with our range of holiday homes.