Jolly Fisherman at Craster

Fabulous pub in a fantastic location right on the cliff and on the coastal path. Great choice of real ales and wines. Good food if a bit pricey. Recommend the famous Craster Crab sandwiches. Great views of the harbour, Dunstanburgh Castle and the sea.

+6

The Jolly Fisherman in Craster is a must-visit place if you like seafood. We had a wonderful meal there, and the fish platter was a definite highlight. It was packed with a fantastic variety of fresh, perfectly cooked seafood, showcasing the best of what the Northumberland coast has to offer. Beyond the superb food, the staff were incredibly accommodating, finding us a spot in the bar area where we could comfortably enjoy our meal with our Labrador, Benji. The place itself has a warm, welcoming atmosphere and provides stunning views of the harbour, adding to the overall charm. The service was excellent - attentive but not intrusive - and their dog-friendly approach makes it an ideal spot for a special occasion or a memorable meal after exploring the beautiful coastal paths.

Great relaxed pub atmosphere, stunning views of the bay and castle especially at sunset. We got the fish platter and a portion of mussels more than enough for two of us. The staff were very friendly.

Fabulous location with a terrace overlooking the sea which is dog friendly. Staff were lovely very helpful and attentive. The Kipper was sublime direct from the smokehouse over the road, delicious. Highly recommend.

Great birthday meal here this week. Was so lovely looking out onto the sea for our dinner. Good choice of drinks and great food. My only complaint is there was too many mussels in my dish I struggled to finish it!

One of the best meals we had in the area,and one of the best views as well.Staff were all lovely very relaxed dining.Well worth a visit if you are in the area couldn't fault anything.Also worth picking up Craster kippers just across the road you won't be disappointed

+3

Called in for a drink and ended up staying for dinner as the menu was very enticing. After much deliberation I had the seafood platter for one and my wife had the soup and a bowl of beef dripping cooked chips. All the food was very tasty, very well presented and enjoyed with a amazing view up to Dunstanburgh Castle (we sat outside as the weather was lovely). For desert we both had the trio of ice cream. All washed down with a nice pint from a decent selection. All areas outside were dog friendly

Craster is a Lovely little fishing village with a couple of pubs, and the Jolly Fisherman is in a perfect location overlooking the sea. Loads of outside seating both at the front and rear. Great drinks menu, including a good non alcoholic menu. Food selection is great if you love fish. We had the crab soup followed by the fish board and sea trout. Pudding the pannacotta. Dog friendly in the bar. Menus and food pictures at the end.

+6

The Sunday dinner is very superb. Ordered the ham hock terrine to start and then the roast pork (came with crackling!) for main. Cauliflower cheese is also delicious! Lovely service and came out in good time. Very cute pub, would recommend visiting :)

This was a coffee stop whilst driving on the Northumberland coastal route. It is a stunning small inn adjacent to the harbour walls overlooking the sea. Sadly I had only had breakfast a short time before, but I am assured the food is excellent. We were warmly greeted and seated at a window table affording us stunning views whilst we enjoyed our drinks. I will certainly visit again and ensure its a time I can actually dine there. First class.

We have visited this place every February for the past 4 years , it’s always been good but this year we think the food is the best we’ve had, as usual loads of atmosphere, helpful friendly staff, and god selections of beers and wines. You need to book for food, very small but cosy bar adds to the experience, you may not get a seat immediately but don’t let that put you off.

Visited this pub twice in June 2025. Amazing food for lunches but be sure to book your tables early this summer as every night is packed. Lovely staff, such a great location, excellent value, stunning views, and some great ales and beers to enjoy. Will defo be back!! Be aware that you park (and pay a fair price) just outside of Craster and walk in (5-6 minutes).

Friends advised to visit this pub - stunning location and their menu (if you love seafood) is amazing - Pete had the seafood platter and I (not a seafood lover) had the ham sandwich- both were extremely good. Despite boing busy we were seated in the walk-in area and served immediately (it was v busy) - I’d advise to book beforehand. Dog friendly with a dog menu 🐾 good selection of craft beers and everything else 🍺

Stopped off for a quick bite to eat for lunch after a walk around the harbour and castle. Pleasantly surprised by the selection of food at the "van" shared a large cod and chips which was delicious. Sat outside in the sun at the picnic tables having a very good pint of Farne ale.

More than a gastropub with an excellent selection of interesting seafood dishes to choose from including Kippers from Robsons across the road where you can buy more kippers if it takes your fancy and you haven't got 6 miles to walk back. Chose the crab soup and kippers both of which were excellent.

Lovely lunch. Friendly efficient service. We weren’t rushed at all. The moules starter was excellent and the crab salad huge. Would definitely go again. Fantastic view from our table.

A very popular place, food excellent, dog friendly, staff can't do enough for you. Called on spec 1st time, very busy but staff were very accommodating, 2nd time we booked to make sure we got in as it was the last day of our holiday. It was lovely to sit and relax and watch a smooth run operation.

Quaint old worldly little inn on the coast with panoramic views of the sea so it is a very popular place locally. It is also necessary to make a reservation. The food was absolutely delicious.

Fish pie was amazing, oysters too. Good selection of beers and a good atmosphere, do have to book & I would say the crab sandwich is not great but think you’re safe with everything else on menu

Popped into the pub for coffee and cake and both were absolutely lovely…. It was extremely busy, not long to wait and did manage to find a place to sit. Great views and the food that came out looked lovely. Staff friendly

Amazing food, best seafood we've ever had!

Delicious food and great service! Probably my favourite meal I had in 1.5 weeks of being in the Newcastle area. The oysters were devine and the shrimp special was to die for. Well worth the trip just make sure to call ahead if you want a table. Dogs also very welcome!

2025 update 2nd meal here. Again very good. Food superb. Great options. Superb location. World appreciate a few more local beer choices in the fridge, given how many good breweries are near by. 2022 Very very good meal here. 6 of us, superb menu with too many great options. I had the kipper scotch egg. 3 very nice ales. Friendly helpful service. Had to wait a little as our reserved table wasn't ready but it was well worth the wait in the end. And most lovely location with great sea views.

We came here after a number of recommendations. We weren't disappointed! The staff were friendly and welcoming and the fish dishes were incredible. A rare special treat with stunning sea views. 2024 update. Having previously came when my wife was pregnant, we came back recently to introduce our little one to the JF. The food was great, but perhaps not quite as refined as it was 5 years ago ( I remember having scallops, sea bass with spiced cauliflower followed by Eton mess). This time, the mussels were a particular highlight. During our recent visit, the service was a little rushed and the server seemed a little flustered by the heat. I'm also sorry to say, the desserts weren't up to the standard of the savoury courses. I'm going to stick to 5*, but mainly because this place is such a beautiful location... and I'm sure the quality will be back. PLEASE use kippers in your scotched eggs again!!

Excellent lunch following a walk to Dunstanburgh Castle. The Whitby scampi was the best I’ve had and I wish they’d sell their homemade tartare sauce because it’s amazing! The crab sandwich went down very well as well. Friendly service. We will definitely be back :)

We booked the day before and requested a table by a window and were lucky that one was available. The food was excellent and fresh. We think we could see the fishing boat through the window, which brought some of the fresh fish to the restaurant. Lovely atmosphere and great sea views. We had perfectly shucked Oysters and Moules Mariniere.

Always a favourite pub of our family. Delicious Sunday roast today, good size portions and beautifully cooked. Sticky toffee for pud was one of the best we have had. Lovely cosy, welcoming pub, would highly recommend!

Popped in on a rather blustery day for lunch. Had the Posh Fish Finger Bap and got a side of chips as well. Chips = good, maybe a bit over salted. Bap = amazing; mushy peas, tartar sauce etc. Staff were really attentive and friendly. Dog friendly as well.

Booked an evening meal for 15/10/25 while on holiday after hearing good reviews for the Jolly Fisherman. Excellent restaurant with an obvious but impressive emphasis on sea food. Really enjoyed the trout and a follow up Panna cotta dessert. The service was very good with engaging staff and the place had a really nice relaxed atmosphere. Great view of the sea from the elevated restaurant. It was also good to see a number of people just enjoying a beer in the bar area. A real find and somewhere we will return to again.

Midweek January drop-in for sandwich lunch. Excellent in all respects. No doubt essential to book ahead in high season. Definitely worth including in a visit to the Northumberland coastline. Park in the Caster Quarry CarPark and walk into the village.

Fab pub with fantastic views of the Castle and harbour from the pub garden at the rear.

Location, food and surroundings brilliant. Service terrible. Booked a table and walk ins got served before us and we kept getting missed despite raising it with servers. Got to do much better than this.

After a longish day in the area we headed for Caster to get a coastal atmosphere. We were just in time to order food - a new experience for us that it seems places stop serving at 18:30 However, having said that the meal was great - too great. I had my first pint in 520 hours since my heart attack, most welcome

Wonderful food and a genial atmosphere. Don’t be in a rush: it’s busy, the food is well worth waiting for and is freshly prepped and cooked and DO chat to the staff. They’re rushed off their feet but still love to banter and advise. I won’t be able to get back too often but I know where I’m going to eat and drink when I do return.

+5

We enjoyed a lovely meal here on Friday night. The food was lovely and we enjoyed it. The Seafood share board was huge so we had left overs to take away. The only negatives are that as a dog owner you are seated away from the view which is a shame and that other dog owners had dogs on large leads that were not near their tables. It meant that certain dogs were approaching other diners and we had to climb over the dog or the lead to get out from our table. It’s such a small space that it should be monitored a little more.

Due to no time and busy in the restaurant part, we just stopped by the fish&chips trailer to get a sandwich. We got a prawn and crayfish sandwich and chips. The chips turned very good. The sandwich was nice and fresh, served with a little bit of crisps and side on coleslaw which was really nice. We didn't wait long for food. I think the food from trailer is a bit overpriced but I would love to get back and try the food in the restaurant. Great location of the place, there are lots of tables in front and back of the restaurant, the water station for dogs too.

+1

We had a lovely lunch here. Fantastic location and wonderful sea views. I agree with other reviews that considering the food is locally sourced it is overpriced. Fish pie was acceptable but not wow and sadly the famous beef dripping chips are not what they used to be, lukewarm and not crisp like they had been kept warm. Suggest they go back to peeling the potatoes and focusing on making them crisp as that is what the majority of locals travel to this pub for.

Fabulous seafood platter. Food is only served inside. Beware, if you want to eat, best to book. We had walked from newton/ship Inn, got there at 3pm, told by the bar staff they weren't serving until 5pm annd only inside, so we sat 2 hrs having a drink, only to be then told by the waitress they were fully booked. Luckily she found us a space, but we only had an hour. Fabulous seafood platter, for a birthday treat. Always loved it here.

The seafood tasted really fresh and there were some rich flavours on display (especially in the sharing platter spreads). Lots of the food had a rustic vibe like the Fish Pie and beef-dripping chips. If we are in the area in future, we’ll definitely be popping by again! The service was quite slow in places but the food definitely made up for this!

Very disappointing lunch here. Staying up at the campsite just outside Craster we walked in several times for a drink (not that drinker-friendly aside from propping up the bar or sitting outside) and booked for lunch on Sunday. Great service and absolutely packed. Unfortunately my mussels were rather unpleasant tasting - not off, just poor. Wrong season for mussels I guess. My wife's crab salad was so-so, certainly less good than the reputation of this place would have suggested.

The setting is stunning, the staff were friendly and very attentive. The food was mediocre, the more complex the dish the more disappointing. The oysters were fresh and tasty. The mussels were good, the quantity was small. The mains were a let down. I had the lobster, I think it was reheated so not so good. The lamb was tough. The burger was below average and our youngest said his pizza was not good at all, he didn't finish it. The deserts were okay. The simpler the food the better the taste, the more complex the less good. It was also expensive compared to other places in this area. So much potential, yet so much more effort needed on the food.

+4

The starter was great, the main was terrible. The chips were dry and certainly weren’t beef dripping chips. The waitress was great and acknowledged that they didn’t look edible to her too. Shame because the setting has it down for a great place. If they were busy I would understand that the food was left under a hot lamp, but they were well staffed for the amount of people dining.