The Potted Lobster

Good to Know

The Potted Lobster is a seafood restaurant on Lucker Road in Bamburgh, a short walk from the castle. It's the restaurant of Alnwick-born chef Richard Sim, whose earlier ventures include The Treehouse at The Alnwick Garden and The Old Boathouse in Amble. It has since grown a sister restaurant, The Whittling House in Alnmouth, and a spin-off in Abersoch in Wales.

Why it's on our list: it has one of the strongest reputations of any restaurant on the Northumberland coast. It's rated 4.7 out of 5 by more than 2,500 OpenTable diners as of October 2026, and many reviewers describe it as an annual must-visit when they're in Bamburgh.

Tom's Notebook

Best for: A seafood lunch or dinner, and special occasions — guests often book it for anniversaries and celebrations.

Food: Fresh, locally sourced seafood, including Lindisfarne oysters and local lobster. The signature potted lobster starter — think posh potted shrimp — is the dish everyone mentions, alongside half or whole lobster with chips, scallops, squid and fish and chips. There's local beef and well-reviewed vegetarian dishes too, and portions are generous.

Dog friendly: There's a dog-friendly bar area, so you can eat with a dog in tow.

Booking: Book ahead, especially in summer, when tables are hard to come by.

Worth knowing: A few long-time regulars feel the potted lobster has become more prawn than lobster over the years, and the occasional diner has found it not quite as good as on previous visits. They're very much in the minority.