The Fishing Boat Inn in Northumberland

We first had lunch here in 2015 when it was famous for fish, it was really good so we looked forward to going back this year, but it looks like the owners have changed. We checked by phone that it was OK to take our dog if we ate on the terrace. We arrived, by bicycle, with our dog, there was a side alley from the car park so we assumed that was the way to the terrace, they had said we could not go through the building with the dog. There was a gate saying 'Private, no access to beach" so as we were customers not beachgoers we assumed that didn't mean us. A lady came out and was very sharp with us, it was a private garden for guests staying at the hotel, restaurant customers were not allowed to use it (although it led to the terrace). If we wanted to eat on the terrace with our dog we had to walk 100 metres up the road then 100 metres back along the beach, clamber over some rocks and up a steep staircase, definitely not good if you have any walking difficulties. Anyway the only seat available on the terrace was a bit chilly with the breeze that day, we felt our food would not stay hot. The more sheltered seats were all taken (you could not book tables on the terrace). The menu was very ordinary pub food, so we left, cycled down to Alnmouth and had a really nice lunch in a dog-friendly restaurant, at the Whittling House Hotel. The area has some very good restaurants, we had a terrific seafood lunch the next day at the Old Boathouse in Amble, so I would not go out of my way to eat at Boulmer again. After our visit we met local people who felt that the Fishing Boat proprietor does not have a good attitude to customers.

Slightly disappointing experience today. Although the food and surroundings were lovely, the portion control was bonkers. We have 4 teenagers, and they notice when portions are unfair! One of my sons got 2 yorkshire puddings when everyone else got 1. My daughter got no parsnips. My husband got 1 tiny roast potato when everyone else got 3. A very small bowl of veg but I asked for more and did get it in a timely manner. My youngest is terribly fussy and there were no child portions or any alternative menu. I therefore asked for an empty plate so she could just have a few bits of mine (we had starters and £60 of drinks). Imagine my surprise when I was charged £3.50 for the empty plate! I paid the bill to the penny and didn't leave a tip. We won't be back.

We came upon this inn by chance and thank goodness. The staff were welcoming and helpful throughout. The cod and chips meal was massive and to die for! The best meal of our short break in Northumberland.

We have a caravan nearby and have eaten here a couple of times and had a drink (or tried to) a few more. The food is OK and decent pub standard but nothing special and not worth the prices. The Alnwick Gold is quite good beer but the beer range is limited. Its a nice old pub with great views. The restaurant decor though is not to my taste with more of a cafe vibe than anything else. What really let's the place are the very annoying rules and rudeness of the staff in charge particularly if you have a dog. Dogs are not allowed inside so you can either sit in the car park at the front or go a long way round to access the decking at the front via the beach. You absolutely can't go through the pub and you will be unceremoniously turfed off the decking if the tide is threatening to cut you off or it reaches 5.30 when apparently you will sully the view of the overcharged diners. Not sure what happens if you are cut off on the decking after 5.30 - I wonder if the lifeboat will be required?

Friends and I walked to the Fishing Boat along the beach and sat down on the terrace. It was early evening and one other family, with dog, were sat there already. We knew the rule of no dogs inside but were incredulous when told we couldn't sit there to have a drink we would have to walk around the front and sit in the car park. We walked back and downed 2 bottles of wine and a bottle of prosecco. Their loss.

We were given stale mouldy bread with the Cullen skink. I did complain and got an apology but no offer of replacement at the very least. The bread with the sandwich's were not fresh and very dry. We were there for a birthday celebration and it reallly spoiled the occasion. Overpriced for what you get too, the rest of the food was ok. Very disappointed as we chose this place over other seafood places... would not recommend

Visited on recommendation, drove an hour to get here and it was well worth the drive. Really friendly and efficient staff, excellent food - the chips are amazing! Lovely sitting looking over the beach. Highly recommend a visit, we’ll definitely come back when we’re in the area.

Lovely staff and fantastic food. We had lunch here having pre-booked(recommended). The staff were really friendly, efficient and helpful. A really plus point is that only guide dogs are allowed in the dining room so we didn’t have the normal yapping and barking that seems to have become the norm. The food was superb. The kipper pate was very tasty without being overpowering. The cod was just stunning. The quality of the cod was great and was cooked in a beautifully light batter to perfection.

Was on our way to craster for lunch when we saw the sign for the fishing boat! Popped along and was soon sat in a gorgeous warm conservatory overlooking the sea. This view is worth the visit on its own, I know there are lots of photos on here of the view so I won't add anymore!! A very modern looking restaurant could probably do with a bitmore character like the bar ( tables and chairs) but with that view..who cares! Staff were probably the friendliest we have met inc what we assumed to be the owner in a red top who took ages helping a couple of regulars to take photos...then helping them upload! Lots of care and attention. We ordered sandwiches and was thinking £13 for a prawn sandwich was top end...but when it arrived...oh my...soft fresh white bread, loads of prawns and sauce, basket of fresh chips, salad and a pot of potato salad! Gorgeous!! Dh had an amazing hot beef cob with gravy tub and similar trimmings , beef was amazing! A lot of mature ladies and gents enjoying lunchtime treats added to the ambience. Well done all!!

We drove to this pub specifically to sit and enjoy the view with a drink. Unfortunately can only sit out the back with the view if are dining there. Would’ve been handy to know that before deciding to drive there. A lovely pub though.

Very warm welcome and excellent service throughout. Both our meals were absolutely delicious. Hope to return the next time we visit the area.

Very disappointed. We came for a meal with five kids and four adults. The food was nice and so were the staff. One of the young children (who is celiac) ordered some chips and after five minutes of eating a waitress came to tell us the chips were not gluten free. It was not the waitresses fault but we are not impressed.

Absolutely outstanding food. The fish was absolutely beautiful and caught by the chef himself! Staff also amazing and the atmosphere is fantastic, with outstanding sea views.

First time here and was firstly very impressed with the views onto the sea and beach. They also have a nice outdoor seating area. We had fish and chips and coffees which were all very good as was the service. Would definitely recommend and return.

We stayed nearby on holiday so had drinks here a few times and a meal. The staff we met on all the occasions were so friendly and helpful, and couldn’t do enough for us. The food was amazing and really big portions. We can’t wait to return again when we next stay in Boulmer. We were on table 4 and had uninterrupted sea views !!

I have a complaint….. I wanted to eat everything on the menu and had to choose just one! What a great find. I had booked for my husbands birthday surprise and requested a window table. Not guaranteed but the manager sorted it. Service, food and location was outstanding. We will be back. Thank you guys we know it is a difficult industry to be in but you are doing a tremendous job.

Found this while travelling back home. Excellent food. Steak pie and the fish pie are amazing. Friendly staff. Great sea views.

I had the best treatment ever, my gluten intolerance meant I couldn't eat the soup of the day, so the chef made me fresh broccoli soup! It was absolutely delicious. I have never had that done for me before, just amazing, thank you again.

We were staying in Boulmer for a week and came to the Fishing Boat Inn twice. There is only one chef so the staff are very careful to make sure he/she is not overwhelmed and the diners are not kept waiting. The menu is varied but not many choices, and we thought a little expensive. However, that being said the fish and chips were delicious. The staff were friendly and some of the tables have a lovely view overlooking the sea.

We were visiting Alnwick and staying near the Fishing Boat Inn and decided to try it out for dinner, what a delightful surprise. Great location, views from the restaurant, and friendly, welcoming staff. We all chose a mix of meals from the main menu and the specials board and all thoroughly enjoyed them, my choice of the Lobster Bisque and Mussels were both exceptional. We all considered that a visit to such a beautiful area was made even better by our visit to The Fishing Boat Inn.

Very friendly and chatty staff with excellent food and hearty portions, some good and tempting options on the specials board also. Thankfully had room for dessert which was also very tasty. All around a very nice experience and will definitely return

Surly service. My Alnwick local beer was sour, flat and cloudy and was only changed reluctantly. No apology. Asked for a Fentiman's Ginger beer and was told it was £5. Sorry but that is well over the odds.

What a view Sitting outside Right on the beach Drinking a pint of Poretti Listing to the waves on a beautiful sunny afternoon

My wife and I called in for lunch on recommendation of friends. It was about 1.30pm, Wednesday 23rd August, 2023. There were a few dining which is always a good indication on the quality of the food. Especially when it was very quiet on the roads and around the villages. Service was very good but I want to comment on my lunch. I cannot remember enjoying fish and chips as much as I have anywhere else for a really long time. The fish was a decent size, but it was the batter which was so light and, was more of a tempura batter. It was fabulous, served with nice chips and really good mushy peas. My wife had the crab sandwich which she said was nice but for me this review is about my fish and chips. It was so nice I had to speak to the owner to let her know. I would definitely go back and definitely have the fish. I would recommend this to anyone passing or planning a day out. Plenty of parking in the car park and the restaurant and bar were spotlessly clean. From what I saw, all the food coming out of the kitchen looked fabulous. A credit to the owner for the restaurant and the quality of the food. My wife says she always knows when I enjoy my food as I'm very quiet apart from the moaning noises as I'm devouring what's on my plate. I'm not the easiest person to please either but this is right up there for enjoyment. Superb. Thank you

Not a happy experience. This is not a family pub there is no children's menu in the evenings. When I phoned to book was told that though they take bookings they did not reserve tables you just had to choose a table that was available. We arrived at 5.00pm to find all the sea view tables in the conservatory were empty but we were told firmly they were reserved for other people We were only allowed a dark cramped table in the corner the furthest away from the windows. The service at our table was fine, fast and helpful. The Confit of duck I had was a small ,tough, leg and rather hard mound of potato, the red cabbage was good. The fish and chips looked OK. We ate our meal really puzzled by the fact the tables in the conservatory stayed empty. The sticky toffee pudding with ice-cream was declared excellent. We were at the table for an hour and a half but some of the enjoyment had been spoilt by our treatment. We have eaten here before but then it was a more welcoming experience. One couple did eventually make it onto a sea view table so I wandered down to look at the sea and we chatted. I asked if they were hotel guests they were not -just day visitors like us.

Excellent food, good service and nice, friendly staff. Nice table overlooking the North Sea, looked after by a great waitress.

We have been coming here for years with our Grandson who is now 6. The staff have always been great and the food so we booked again. We sat down to be told they no longer do a children’s menu. We should have been informed...

What lovely staff! Called for drinks and asked the staff where I could buy a tub of milk for my recipe at our air bnb that evening. I don’t know the lady’s name, but she reached behind her for a take away cup , and...

Well what can I say ....we visited on our journey around the area ..how dissapointed we were ..they can't even bring your food to the table if your sat outside and we're told that you had to collect it from the door ...the value for...

Note for dog owners - your furry friend is NOT WELCOME here, despite the area being synonymous with dogs and walking. We asked if they had a covered outdoor area where we might sit with our dog (it was drizzling slightly) to which we received...

We have been meaning to have a meal here for some time as friends have told us how good it was so we decided to try it out this evening - it is only a 15 - 20 minute drive for us. All staff extremely...

This was one of the best meals we’ve had in the UK. Great service and excellent food. Lovely location.

We had a great table located in the corner of the restaurant overlooking the outside seating area and the beach. Mains and starters were great, service was friendly and efficient, couldn't fault it. Would love to stay here for a couple of nights as they...

Excellent restaurant- really good fish pie with lovely vegetables. I also had a really good kipper Pate. Thoroughly recommended. The staff were very good as well.

Ended up here by accident but glad we did. Unlike previous reviews, staff couldn’t have been more welcoming. They were very cooperative with my wife’s food allergy.

Atrocious service! No such thing as a warm welcome here which is a shame as the food is really lovely but completely let down by the front of house. We were made to feel unwelcome from the moment we arrived despite having a booking -...

Lovely food, the staff however fire the lot of them. Rude end of. Never heard anything like it. Might as well be Karen's diner. We arrived and within 5 minutes they were away with passive aggressive comments. We were quite. Judging by how they behaved...

Have been for lunch before when in the area, and had good food. This time, chose off the specials board - fish was dried out and what was supposed to be coriander was pea shoots and the beetroot was swimming in vinegar. The starters were...

We were on holiday in Boulmer. Whenever we holiday here we have a meal at The Fishing Boat in. We just love it there

Great food served well by pleasant staff, nothing was too much trouble. We hadn’t booked but they managed to fit us in which was much appreciated

Beautiful pub in the village of Boulmer, offering splendid views of the sea and coastline. We enjoyed drinks on the terrace one day whilst on a walk and then came back a few days later for lunch before heading home from our weeks holiday. Staff...

We had our cousin over from Oz and wanted to try a Sunday roast we thought it would be nice as we have had lunch here before. She enjoyed her vegetarian option however the beef was tough and even at the request of more gravy...

Visited on a Sunday. Had a wonderful walk from Alnmouth. The website for the pub looks great. However, No dogs allowed inside the premises. There are some tables on decking at the rear of the pub where they accept dogs. However the access to these...

My husband and I have been to this stunning little jem of a restaurant many times, often with friends visiting the area. We, and they, have never been disappointed with the food which is local, freshly prepared and delicious. The staff are always welcoming, friendly...

the sunday lunch was cooked to pefection, the chef knows what he is doing, However the only dissatisfaction was the desert, a trio of icecream one would expect 3 different flavours not 3 scoops of vanilla served without a wafer and it was tasteless, i...

Visited the Fishing Boat Inn Thursday 20th April with my daughter. Arrived at 11 55 looking forward to our lunch. After waiting until 12 00 with the closed sign still showing we entered. The inn is splendid after an extensive refurbishment and has received excellent...

Stumbled upon this great place , what luck! On the English coastal path quite a few walkers enjoying lunch. Parked in beach car park and walked along beach towards the houses and came across this place! We weren’t even sure it was a pub as...

Recently had a meal here , the food was fantastic , great atmosphere , excellent service and great views , would highly recommend this restaurant . Graeme

Amazing local pub with fabulous food, George the chef creates a range of meals for everyone with wonderful flavours. We booked in for Easter Sunday lunch and we were not disappointed, loved it so my h we went back twice! The staff (Lisa) are all...

Called in for a drink really nice on the sun decking lovely views of stunning of the Northumbrian coast The staff were lovely really friendly and fun

Amazing view, wonderful food and a warm welcome from the staff! Would recommend all to visit this gem!

On a grey Sunday booked to go here for Sunday Lunch. Very warm welcome plus a seat overlooking the sea. Fabulous views, even better when the sun peaked thru. Everything was nicely presented and tasty. Nothing to complain about. Can’t wait to revisit in the...

8 of us walked from Alnmouth to Boulmer and had Sunday lunch at The Fishing Boat Inn. It was absolutely delicious, one of the best we’ve had. The table was presented lovely, and the views from our table were to die for. All the food...

Went for Sunday lunch on the 5/3/23 it was amazing, the pub looks old fashioned from the outside but once you get in it is lovely/welcoming and modern with a beautiful location, the Food was brilliant everything was hot and delicious and the staff could...

Took a quick 'day off' wander up the coast and popped into the Fishing Boat on the off chance, took a great table by the fire and served excellent overfilled crab sarnies ... warm, cosy, welcoming and worth coming back to some other time.

Stopped after a walk along the coastal path for a lunch. We had the “Winter Warmer” offer, which was £16 for two courses. Really good value and super tasty! We both had lasagne that came with a side salad and amazing chips. We had the...

Woman behind the bar who I presume was one of the owners, doesn’t know how to smile, very unfriendly and spoke down to us when we had specific dietary requirements like we didn’t know what we were talking about, food came eventually, barely warm fillet...

Such a lovely place, the best views of any restaurant, great food and friendly staff! Would definitely recommend a visit here if you’re in the area!

We have been trying to come to this restaurant for 3 years. What with covid then the refurb we just couldn't seem to get her. So last night I booked for my husbands birthday treat. It's a long way for us in Manchester but I...

Another fabulous meal last night at the FBI. Superb fresh seafood. Lovely people. Thanks very much to Lisa,Lisa and George the talented chef. We both had the crab and shrimp risotto for starters and a fantastic bouillabaisse for mains. Better than we had in the...

Having stayed in one of the local cottages for the week we popped in for a drink one afternoon. A warm welcome in a lovely setting was always we found, it was so welcoming we popped back the next evening for a drink and then...

Great fish, delicious pudding, friendly waitresses. One of them speaks Dutch!! Greetings, the “Dutch couple” groeten aan de serveerster!!

Arrived 6 minutes late due to finding a parking space, no greeting only to be told we were about to lose are table. Waited approx 15 minutes to be offed menu or drinks when drinks arrive they had the order wrong and no glass of...

This Restaurant has undergone a makeover with new Owner and is a very inviting place to eat. The only thing we were disappointed about was that 10 of us had gone for lunch from our local WI and although the booking was accepted for 10...

Had lunch here with family on a short trip to Northumberland. The food (locally sourced seafood) was delicious and the service excellent with a beautiful view. I'm surprised, given many of the other restaurants of the area, they do not allow dogs anywhere indoors. There...

The food was good and the staff very friendly and helpful. However,no tap water available due to a burst. Only water available was in small bottles at £2.20 a pop! Felt this was over the top,at least some larger bottles should have been available.

Had a delicious meal earlier this evening. The staff were welcoming and friendly and we were shown to our table immediately. We both had seafood starters and mains which were all delicious and nicely presented then shared a large ginger sponge pudding. A lovely meal...

Haven't been to the FBI for a long time so wasn't sure what to expect. The service was excellent ,the food was delicious and the setting brilliant. We had a view over the north sea. Will be going back.

Booked the restaurant in advance to avoid disappointed. Four of us went and it was excellent. Prawn 🦐 cocktail, mussels and soup 🍜 for Starters. For mains we had Seared monkfish, fish & chips and stone bass A lovely experience all round

Lovely day today, thought it would be ideal for a meal by the beach. The carpark was virtually empty when we arrived, walked around the side to access rear tables. Blocked off. My wife went inside to enquire how we got to the rear tables....

Excellent seafood, excellent service and fabulous setting. The restaurant has been renovated to a very high standard. Would highly recommend and looking forward to returning soon.

Just had another fantastic lunch here. Lobster Thermidor and Fish and chips . Then had to have Ginger sponge . 🤩 Lovely atmosphere and the friendliest staff. Thank you .

We booked a table for 18.15 on 17.5.2022. It was ready when we arrived. We were given the new menu. It was amazing and spoilt for choice. Dave ordered the seafood chowder for his mains. So much fish you couldn't see the plate. Full of...

Came with friends. Lovely staff and service. Everyone pleased with their food. I ordered the chowder and was surprised when it arrived. It wasn’t a classic chowder. It was presented in a way as to give the “wow” factor, but I’m afraid it didn’t wow...

Great Sunday lunch - so we booked for the week! It just gets better with each visit Warm welcome and scrumptious food every time

We used to enjoy regular lovely meals in the restaurant here. But since we got our puppy, who is two now, we cannot go inside. So have only eaten the fish platter outside in the summer or stopped for a drink on the picnic tables....

Excellent whole round good fantastic very friendly staff helpful would recommend to anyone definitely be going again with the family very soon

We did not stay here but wanted a decent sunday roast when holidaying in the area. Soup and pate as starters were tasty enough. Even the mushrrom wellington came with a Yorkshire Pud, so was very happy and the pork loin went down well too!...

If you want somewhere with great views and good food this is a good place to go. The outside eating area looks out over the beach and the interior is light with views. The staff are friendly and made us feel welcome. The food was...

Visited this lunchtime with our dog..my partner has mobility issues we enquired at the bar how we could get to the outside space so we could dine with our dog..and were told we had to go down the steps onto the beach then back up...

excellent food, staggeringly impressive sea view superb staff. Faultless. We ate twice whilst holidayin gnearby

We arrived at 12.10 hoping to get a table in the conservatory or restaurant. However. it was fully booked (note to self book next time for 12.00 and turn up at 12.00 as one of the waitresses inferred that the tables were allocated on a...

What a great find the Sunday lunch is not to be missed. Very warm welcome, excellent service and really tasty home cooked food. We will definitely be back.

We have been coming here for years and usually have the traditional Sunday lunch. Half way through a lovely walk we stop here to re-energise so today we got there about 1.00 and we’re met with a very warm friendly welcome ( as standard in...

Great little cosy Pub, was here 2 weeks ago, went if for drinks afetr a walk on the beach, decided to have lunch the day after, it was great, I had steck pie, the mrs had chicken and leek, they were excellent, will defo be...

Just been for lunch to this little hidden gem. I do not eat a lot but I ate nearly my full meal as it was sensational. I had the scampi and have never tasted scampi like it. My partner had fish x chips x cleaned...

We had dinner at The Sea View and had booked to watch the sunset over the sea. The views were amazing despite the bad weather and the food was delicious too.

We had the best 3 days staying in the Captains Cove as a belated anniversary celebration. Views amazing and two gorgeous sunrises. The food in the Seaview restaurant is delicious with lots of choice. Special thanks to Lisa, Kelly and Anita who were very welcoming,...

Down in the area for the 2nd time this year. Always a must to visit The Seaview Restaurant for something to eat. Most of all, food is excellent, staff really friendly. Can't fault it.

What a lovely pub and restaurant. We ate on the sea facing outside balcony. We had a lovely welcome from the staff and the food was delicious. It came quickly too. The interior of the pub is lovely with a traditional range. It had a...

I had booked a lunch visit today (Saturday) as we were travelling up from Leeds and we could not access our cottage in Alnmouth until 3pm. We actually arrived at The Fishing Boat almost an hour early and were quite prepared to have a wander...

We ate lunch at the Fishing Boat inn on Sunday. The staff and service were fantastic. The food was delicious, portions were very generous. The restaurant is lovely.

A massively popular eating pub on a beautiful bit of coast. We enjoyed a spanking fresh fillet of battered cod with home made chips and garden peas and also a whole sea bream with capers and tomatoes. Both were very good, being carefully prepared and...

I think the best food we had in Northumberland excellent fish well cooked and treated with respect. Great view over the rocks at the back. Great selections of beer on tap . Service staff were on the whole very nice and chatted regardless of it...

Can’t overstate how enjoyable visiting this place was. Excellent food and prompt service from very pleasant staff. Despite a remote (ish) location, the premises & car park were full. Book well in advance.

Couldn’t of asked for a better meal out. Lovely views, friendly staff, delicious food. Make sure you try the puddings! Plenty of parking.

My husband & I were really looking forward to visiting this place for a drink, as we had been told the views were amazing. We arrived at just after 6pm, to be told by a very abrupt lady that the outside area was closed due...

Today I visited this beautiful little gem, although I was extremely disappointed in the way that they treated a mother and 4 children. We parked in the little car park, we visited a few moths ago and the pub itself opened at 11, we were...

Had a meal here after walking from Seahouses to Belford on a very hot day. The menu choice included a lot of local fish dishes. Had the mackerel pate followed by whole bream, simply cooked with a tomato and caper dressing which was delicious. The...

Fabulous lunch today My wife and both had fish I had the cod and my wife the bream. Large portions Real chips👍👍👍 Great staff attitude Pricing aok👍