Northumberland Seafood Centre in Newcastle upon Tyne

We decided to buy our takeaway seafood lunch here, rather than at one of the market stalls, thinking we were helping an important local enterprise. We should have checked their prices 1st (none on display). For 2 warm kipper rolls (not huge) and a wee tub of cockles and one of mussels, it was £25. My partner was especially looking forward to the shellfish, but they were tasteless and he felt the mussels weren't even fresh (we did see them bringing items out of a freezer.) I returned, thinking the assistant had perhaps made a mistake; when I pointed out how much cheaper similar items were from the market stalls, she replied " But they won't be as good." I countered that the shellfish were tasteless, with no trace of salt or vinegar. "You should have added your own" she said, though my partner hadn't been told this. Very poor value for money.

Very disappointing experience. The work don’t at the hatchery is brilliant and that’s the only reason I am giving 2 stars. The pre cooked Lobster was disgusting. There is barely any meat in them and what was there was nearly all mush. We decided as we were staying further up the coast to buy our seafood here but seriously regret it. I contacted them that day with a photo showing what it looked like and they were not interested. I have given them multiple opportunities to rectify this before writing a review but still no customer services at all. You might as well buy those cheap frozen lobsters from the budget supermarkets because what they sell is not the beautiful lobsters caught off the north east coast.

We called in yesterday to look at their hatchery and were so pleased we did. You are immediately drawn to the vast array of fresh fish on display which looked as if had come straight out of the sea and then you notice the sandwiches being made behind the counter. I wont elaborate more, other than to say that these were the best crab sandwiches we have ever tasted. Whilst waiting for the sandwiches to be made we bought some smoked salmon. The guy serving was most helpful in advising us on which part of the fillet to purchase and this again was absolutely delicious. We know where we will be heading the next time we visit Amble

What a great place this is. It is primary a fish shop, but they specialise in lobster. They are conservationists and have an area set aside to protect baby lobsters. When they grow to about 5 cm long, they will be released in to the wild to grow into adulthood. I asked how long it takes for a lobster to grow to full size......5 to 7 years, wow.

Daily fresh fish and seafood, which the team will prepare for you on request. Huge variety. Friendly staff willing to offer help and advice on preparation and cooking. There is also a lobster hatchery which you can visit.