** First of all let the apologise to Riley’s Fish Shack. This is long overdue but hopefully life is on its way to something close to normality and this will help you make plans when we can all pretend early 2020 didn’t happen. Read on and enjoy (hopefully) **

Hidden away in King Edwards Bay, Tynemouth, there’s a magical place. 2 shipping containers and a smattering of deck chairs across the sand. From the top of the cliff you’d never know its there but down from frankly precarious and, for this clumsy bitch, terrifyingly steep stairs and you’ll find it.

Rileys Fish Shack is the creation of Lisa and Alan Riley, serving locally caught freshly caught fish and seafood to the waiting masses.

In one of my first Foodie Tart Thursdays, before the idea of being in a public space was one of the most outrageous things one could do, I hopped on the train from Darlington to Tynemouth in search of sustenance. It was sunny but bitingly cold, wandering through the warm sunny spots with the sea peaking from behind the hills and buildings.

I arrived a little before 1pm and even in the deceptively chilly March weather, the queue had already breached the entrance ramp. Painted fish outlined the appropriate social distancing measures for the cautious. Up the ramp there is a little window, which I assume is so the chefs can see but I took it as an opportunity to watch them work and unfortunately I think I got spotted. I’m sorry if I seemed creepy guys I was just looking at the pizza oven I swear! The shack has a choice of seating, deck chairs on the beach, a covered bench seat overlooking the pretty spectacular views and 3 little tables inside. After ordering I managed to snag one of the tables inside. As pretty as the bay is I don’t cope well in the cold.

The menu is varied but not huge. Based around the catch of the day certain things may be substituted but it seems certain staples are usually available.

The chalkboard signage showing todays specials had me tempted in so many directions. Oysters, lobsters, steak, monkfish everything sounded right up my incredibly greedy street.

In my head I had already made a decision. I decided before I was even on the train. I had a need for langoustines, because I’m low key bougie but also so so basic. There’s few pleasures in life to me better than a perfectly cooked langoustine. As for the rest… well never mind that.

Langoustines came prepared in garlic, parsley and white wine in 2 size options 250g and 500g. In all my wisdom I calculated that 500g is a meagre portion when considering shells and heads etc. I was wrong. Placed in front of me were 10 of the biggest fattest langoustines I’d ever seen. Perfectly cooked and so delicious.

Squeezing the heads over the homemade sourdough is of course one of the best parts of the delicious beasts and this did not disappoint.

Not one to waste a journey of an hour and a half for one bowl of langoustines, no matter how good they were, I also chose the panfried plaice with lemon, parsley and buerre noisette. The fish almost sliding off the bone if you were to breathe on it. Crispy skin and the richness only lashings of butter can bring. Heavenly. I ate so much I regret going in jeans.

When the we can be together again, this is where you should go. Eating delicious, fresh, local and sustainable seafood, on the beach, with people you care about. Until that time you can still support Riley’s Fish Shack if you’re in the area by shopping in their home delivery service. Fresh shellfish, oyster lager and extras like veg boxes. Take a look on www. rileysfishshack.com

I hope to see you soon. I know life is uncertain and isolating at the moment but remember, there was calm before the storm and there will be calm after.

If you need anyone to talk to don’t be afraid to contact me either in the comments or using my social links at the bottom of the page.

TFT
xxx

Review: Riley's Fish Shack. 13th March 2020