A classic Northumberland pub with extraordinary views over the North Sea and Dunstanburgh Castle ruins, the Jolly Fisherman is famous for its crab sandwiches and locally smoked kippers from Robson's smokehouse in the village below. A perfect pub lunch with fresh, honest seafood.
The Jolly Fisherman perches on the clifftops above the tiny Northumberland harbour village of Craster, with views that take in Dunstanburgh Castle ruins to the north and the North Sea stretching to the horizon. The pub is famous for two things: its crab sandwiches and its Craster kippers. The crab is landed at Craster harbour directly below and dressed simply with mayonnaise and lemon on thick white bread. The kippers are smoked at L. Robson and Sons' smokehouse in the village, which has been curing herring over oak smoke since 1906 and is itself a Northumberland institution. The food is entirely unpretentious and achieves its distinction through the quality of the raw ingredient rather than culinary sophistication. The crab soup and the seafood platter are also available. The outdoor terrace facing the sea and castle has some of the finest pub views in England. The pub does not take advance reservations; it operates on a walk-in basis and fills quickly on sunny summer days and Bank Holidays. Craster village, a short drive from Alnwick, is worth combining with a walk along the coastal path to Dunstanburgh Castle.
Location
55.4720, -1.5892 View on map
Highlights
- Fresh Craster crab sandwiches — crab landed at the harbour below the pub
- Craster kippers smoked by L. Robson and Sons since 1906 at the village smokehouse
- Clifftop outdoor terrace with views of Dunstanburgh Castle ruins and the North Sea
- Genuine working fishing village setting in Northumberland's outstanding coastal landscape
- Walk-in only, honest seafood — one of England's great pub lunch destinations
Tips for visiting
- Arrive early on sunny days and Bank Holidays — the pub fills quickly and outdoor seats are first to go.
- The coastal path walk from Craster to Dunstanburgh Castle takes around 30 minutes and is spectacular.
- A visit to Robson's smokehouse in the village before eating adds significant context.
- Combining Craster with a visit to Alnwick Castle and its garden makes a full Northumberland day.
- The crab sandwich and crab soup together form the ideal lunch — order both.
Accessibility
The Jolly Fisherman has a clifftop setting with some uneven ground and steps to the outdoor terrace area. The indoor bar and dining area is accessible at ground level. The outdoor seating involves steps down from the road level. Visitors with mobility requirements should check access arrangements in advance.
Frequently asked questions
Does The Jolly Fisherman take reservations?
The Jolly Fisherman does not take advance reservations and operates on a walk-in basis. On popular summer days and Bank Holidays, arriving before midday is advisable to secure outdoor seating.
What are the kippers at The Jolly Fisherman?
The kippers are Craster kippers, smoked by L. Robson and Sons in a smokehouse a short walk from the pub. Robson's has been oak-smoking herring in the traditional Northumberland manner since 1906 and its kippers are considered among the finest in England.
How do visitors get to Craster?
Craster is a small village on the Northumberland coast, approximately 6 miles east of Alnwick and around 35 miles north of Newcastle. There is no train station; the most practical approach is by car. From Newcastle, the drive takes around 50-60 minutes.