On a secluded cove, underneath Tynemouth Priory on the northeast coastline, you’ll find one of the most innovative and tasty places to eat, in the world, Riley's Fish Shack. In fact, when you are there you really do feel like you are on holiday, not just a few miles from home.

Tynemouth, recently named as one of the best places to live in the North, by the Sunday Times, is also home to Riley’s Fish Shack. It is exactly what it says – a shack (made out of two containers) on the beach (yes, on real sand) that is a restaurant that sells predominantly fish (and a few other things). And it's well worth a visit.

EATING OUT AT RILEYS FISH SHACK – KING EDWARDS BAY, TYNEMOUTH

Most of the time I am vegetarian and have been for thirty years. Sometimes I am vegan, but from time to time I will eat fish. I try to make this 'good fish' as I've introduced some fish into my diet for health reasons. Riley’s Fish Shack was born from a love of fresh, honest, healthy seafood so as a fish restaurant fits my requirements too.

I first discovered Rileys Fish Shack when they turned up outside The Cumberland Arms in Byker, and sold amazing mackerel wraps to the customers enjoying the beer festival one summer. On a mums night out we really appreciated the healthy food option alongside our pints, and I’ve been a fan ever since. It began as a roving street food (bicycle) stall, trading at food festivals between 2012 & 2014.

This was a few years ago now. Since then I had lunches and date nights enjoying the food at the shack at the Quayside Seaside, I was working at Live Theatre on the Quayside in Newcastle a couple of summers ago and it was really handy! And I’m looking forward to trying out Little Fishy this summer. 

But last summer we ventured to Kind Edwards Bay in Tynemouth for the first time. 

RILEYS FISH SHACK

Where is it?

Located (literally) on the shorefront at King Edward Bay, Tynemouth, the small bay right next to the Priory, Rileys Fish Shack prepares, cooks and serves its fresh fish from two converted shipping containers that they custom designed and installed. Like the simplicity of the food, as an eatery is honest and rustic. There is not much seating – a few indoor wooden tables, and deck chairs on the beach, in amongst fire pits to keep you warm.

What's on the menu?

The menu changes but typically includes wraps, mackerel, monkfish, kipper, red mullet, lobster, squid but other non-fish dishes such as surf and turf and vegetable empanadas are also available - I've had th empanadas before at the Quayside and they were really good.. And it’s all cooked in the wood-fired oven and served in a handmade wood-fired flatbread with signature vinaigrette salads and Hepplewhite's Chipotle Chilli Relish and crispy hot-plate garlic potatoes. There is an amazing aroma that drifts from the shack along the beach.

When is it open?

The summer 2018 opening hours have just been announced. They will be open 7 days a week. Monday to Saturday from 9.30am until 10.00pm and on Sundays 9.30am to 5.30pm. They will be taking a service break from 5.30pm - 6.30pm weekdays and no service break Saturdays and Sundays if possible (unless they run out of food).

What's it like?

Last summer we arrived about 7 o’clock, maybe had to wait up to an hour to be served but it’s an hour worth waiting in my opinion. 

We drove to Tynemouth, parked for free, and walked along to King Edwards Bay. It wasn't the warmest of summer nights so we took warm tops and a coat - highly recommended unless we are in the middle of a heatwave when you visit. 

I enjoyed the mackerel wrap which came with salads, relish and garlic potatoes, whilst my hubby had kippers with a side order of potatoes. All washed down with a pint of craft beer and a lager. With drinks, it was about twenty-five pounds, and after we’d finished eating we took our drinks down to the beach itself and sat until darkness fell. It was a perfect evening and one I hope to replicate many more times.

5 Things You Should Know About Rileys Fish Shack

1. You may have to wait. Good things come to those who wait is so true. It’s a small shack, and it’s popular. Yes you may have to queue at busy times, bookings are not taken, but, stood on the beach looking out to sea, with the Priory up above – it’s not a bad place to have to stand and wait.
2. They don’t use plastic. They have met key targets set by the Plastic Free Coastline campaign spearheaded by Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) Owners Adam & Lucy Riley said in the local newspaper that they were proud to say we have never used plastic packaging. Cutlery is wooden and they also encourage people to get involved with beach cleans.
3. They may run out of food. They only sell sustainable fish, and work closely with a trusted and growing network of local suppliers, to ensure they receive the best produce. Dealing directly with the fishermen of Caley Fisheries, Blyth Fisheries Ltd, South Harbour import dock and North Shields Market for all our fish and seafood. As the seafood is fresh and local, stocks are limited so when it's gone it's gone! If you are travelling a long way it may be best to call ahead.
4. It is loved by the critics. Jay Rayner writing in The Guardian said: ‘Call off the search. Close down the web browser and put away the guidebooks. I have found the eating experience of the year."  It was also showcased by Michael Roux Junior on Hidden Restaurants.
5. You may not want to leave. Sitting on the beach. Listening to the waves lap the shore. And watching the sunset. Is what my dreams are often made of.  I really didn’t want to leave.

Have you been to Rileys Fish Shack?

Deb x

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