Coastal Fish Restaurant of the Year
Sponsored by Coast Magazine 
This award recognises UK or Irish fish restaurants that have shown outstanding support for the commercial fishing industry in their local area in 2016. Nominees will demonstrate a focus on locally-landed fish and a menu that incorporates a good range of species; encouraging diners to experience some varieties that are more commonly exported, and others which deserve to be more popular.
SHORTLIST
Cafe Môr, South Pembrokeshire
This cool, funky mobile fish shack serves ‘street food’ on Freshwater West Beach from April to the end of September. ‘Môr’ means sea in Welsh, and this innovative eatery offers what have become known as the best lobster rolls in the county. With a kitchen powered by solar and wind, you don’t get much more sustainable than this.
Crab House Café, Wyke Regis
Look out to sea as you eat crab caught in the English Channel. This relaxed restaurant sells fish and seafood that has been landed within a 40-mile radius. It has its own on-site oyster beds, ensuring that not only are they are the freshest you can eat, but also have the fewest food miles!
Cromars, St Andrew’s
Voted Scotland’s best fish and chip shop in 2016 and 2018, Cromars uses only fresh, Scottish ingredients, usually bought in Peterhead by its fish merchant. It serves langoustines from St Monans, vegetables from Fife and potatoes from East Lothian. Supporters of the Fishermen’s Mission, the RNLI, and certified as sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).
Latimer’s Seafood Cafe, Whitburn
Famous for its lavish platters of seasonal seafood, Latimer’s serves the freshest, local, daily catch. Its fish and seafood can be traced from trawler to plate. It also runs a deli and now employs 25 staff. To add to the coastal ambience, the café’s outdoor decking offers majestic sea views across the beach at Whitburn.
Magpie Café, Whitby
Hugely popular with locals and visitors alike, this café specialises in local fish and seafood. The building, which overlooks Whitby harbour, was devastated by fire last year, resulting in its closure during the busy summer months. But the owners have been resilient, and the café has reopened with new vigour, and to much acclaim.
No. 7 Fish Bistro, Torquay
This small, family-run restaurant serves fish from local boats, markets, and from Scotland, supporting our fishing industry by keeping its purchases to the British Isles. Lobster and crab come from the harbour that the bistro overlooks. One nominee said: “This is the only place I have ever been where they bring out a tray and say ‘this is the fish that has been caught today’, and will cook it any way you like.”
Rockfish, Dartmouth
Focusing on sustainable, local fish bought daily from nearby Brixham fish market, Rockfish is famous for championing the 30-odd species of fish and seafood caught on the South Coast of Britain. From gurnard, Dover sole, lemon sole and to lobster, its simple recipes are made up from the catch of the day.
The Idle Rocks, St Mawes
This beautiful restaurant serves the highest-quality Cornish produce in a stunning setting overlooking the sea. Working with local fish suppliers, including Fish for Thought (famous for its dedication to trading sustainable fish and seafood), and Wing of St Mawes, which supplies Cornish fish to restaurants, hotels and schools, The Idle Rocks ensures it cooks with sustainable, locally-caught ingredients.
The Old Boathouse, Amble
Winners in 2016 and 2017, this restaurant continues to develop new recipes using locally-caught and sustainably-fished fish and shellfish. Continuous development of staff skills is reflected in the quality of the food and service, both of which are highly praised by a loyal customer base.
The Seahorse, Dartmouth
Owner and celebrity chef Mitch Tonks is well-known as an ambassador for sustainable fishing on the South Coast of Britain. This fine-dining restaurant has won numerous awards for the quality of its food, which includes a broad range of locally-caught fish and seafood, cooked simply over a charcoal fire.
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