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Edinburgh Reporter
a day ago
- Edinburgh Reporter
Warm welcome at The Crab & Lobster Fish Shack
This was an evening of flavours, atmosphere, and warm hospitality. Going to the Crab & Lobster Fish Shack at South Queensferry is like stepping back in time when your parents or grandparents took you out for a Fish Tea. (And diners over 55 qualify for a discounted price.) Situated on the south side of South Queensferry, close to Tesco with ample parking and leafy surroundings when you step through the doors, the family atmosphere is warm and friendly, and the service is excellent. Nothing is too much trouble for their knowledgeable staff. The décor is understated seaside style, and the kitchen is open so you can watch the chefs prepare your meal. The Menu: The Coghill family who own the restaurant had a vision of creating a relaxed atmosphere serving high quality dishes appealing to fish lovers of all ages. Many of the ingredients are sourced as locally as possible and true to its name both crab and lobster do feature on the menu. Father and son, Bryan and Jack Coghill who own the Crab & Lobster Fish Shack Starters There is an extensive selection of starters available, including scallops, crab, scampi, squid, and caviar, with a particular emphasis on shellfish offerings. Cullen Skink that most traditional of Scottish soups – is available for anyone whose preference is not shellfish. Main Courses It is true to say that the choices available for main course are a bit more limited than first courses. There are large or small fish suppers on offer with alternatives of the daily fish counter special, crab and lobster suppers or a sausage supper. For anyone craving meat, sirloin steak is available and you could add a half lobster tail for the best of both worlds in a Surf and Turf. It is also good to see that there are also four gluten free options available. For traditionalists, the fish tea is served between 11am and 3pm Monday to Friday and a children's menu is always available. Side dishes include mushy peas and curry sauce with a lighter option of pea salad or summer salad. Desserts If you have any room left (the portions at every stage are generous) there are three desserts on offer – The Shack Sundae with chocolate, caramel and brownie, sticky toffee pudding and a baked meringue with berries and clotted cream. I am sad to say that neither I or my dining companion had any space to try the puddings. Crab & Lobster Fish Shack Wine and Beverages The restaurant's wine list encompasses choices from Spain, Italy and France with a Portuguese rosé and white wines from England and New Zealand for good measure. A small selection of cocktails and mocktails are available too. Value for Money Prices include starters from £5 to £24 (which is a sharing platter), main courses around £18 (excludes steak and lobster), and desserts at £8. Final Thoughts The Crab & Lobster Fish Shack is a new take on the traditional British staple of fish and chips, served in a comfortable atmosphere where families are made welcome. Although the setting is not directly on the sea front, the warmth of the welcome, extensive menu and ample parking make this restaurant a good choice. Opening times are Monday to Saturday 11am to 3.45pm and 5pm to 8.30pm, Sundays 11am to 3.45pm and 5 to 8pm. Like this: Like Related
Scotsman
10-08-2025
- Scotsman
I've been walking around Scotland for over a year - I think I've found my favourite spot
The village's inhospitable location it what preserves its unique character. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The coastal villages nestled in the north-east coastline aren't so easy to reach on foot when following the sea. The steep drops into the cosy huddles of dwellings scattered with orange rooftops followed by sharp ascents onto the exposed cliff tops to avoid impassable jagged rock edges can be hard on the knees. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It always feels worth it, though, walking through some of Moray and Aberdeenshire's quaint seaside communities. The slower pace allows you to venture into the narrow streets squished between chunky cottage walls, picking up on the subtle details that make the place. It might be the linen on washing lines blowing in the sea breeze, white-washed walls with different colour-painted window frames, and there's usually a snoozy seaside cat lounging on a lobster trap or a wooden bench somewhere, waiting for its titbit. A seaside puss in the north-east coastal town of Buckie having a listen out | Katharine Hay There are a handful of these villages or towns 'on the map' for various reasons. Pennan has a film stamp for its role in Bill Forsyth's Local Hero starring Peter Capaldi, with the red telephone box from the '80s Scottish cult classic still standing proud in the village. The Local Hero telephone box in Pennan, the Aberdeenshire village known for its role in the Bill Forsyth Scottish cult classic of the 80s | Katharine Hay More recently, Cullen, while known for being the birthplace of the hearty 'Cullen Skink', proudly hosted Good Will Hunting-star Matt Damon for filming Christopher's Nolan's The Odyssey. Portsoy has a Peaky Blinders memorial to commemorate the fictional death of Michael Gray filmed at the harbour. Meanwhile, Gardenstown is said to have hosted Bram Stoker in its Garden Arms Hotel in 1896 where the author is believed to have written some of his horror classic, Dracula, released the following year. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But one location, just a few miles up the coast, stole the limelight for me, and that was Crovie. Crovie is preserved by its inhospitable location in the cliffs of Aberdeenshire coast | Katharine Hay There are no roads leading through this wee cliff-foot fishing village right at the waters edge. Cars are to be left outside it and even bikes aren't allowed in. You can only access the row of some 60 houses on foot. The cliff-foot village is only accessible on foot | Katharine Hay Like other seaside fishing villages, Crovie is characterised by a distinct layout, with many houses having their gable ends facing the sea to protect them from the changeable north east weather patterns. I arrived into the village about 8pm on a summer's evening. Walking along the front row of houses, their different pastel shades and muted colours took on a warm glow in the sunset light. Two girls in their nighties were playing cards on the stone walkway smoothed over by years of exposure to the elements. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A few doors further up, a middle-aged man sat holding a glass of red wine, losing his thoughts in the infinity view of the North Sea ahead. A couple further up were sat on a bench pointing out to the water. Following the direction of their gaze, I saw dolphins leaping in the bay. It was a rare occasion being in a beautiful location in Scotland at the height of summer with people around, yet feeling such peace. There seemed a mutual respect for place and gratitude for the serenity that evening brought. Crovie is no stranger to visitors. One Aberdeenshire local, who owns a holiday cottage for him and his wife, said there are just five permanent residents in the village. The rest are holiday homes. It was a bit sad to hear some history of the place that once was, was lost. Yet, Crovie's inhospitable location with no roads will no doubt continue to preserve this unique place standing defiant in a cliff's edge in years to come. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A squid offering | Katharine Hay
Scotsman
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Everything you need to know as popular food festival kicks off in Edinburgh
The Edinburgh Folk & Food Festival 2025 opens tonight at George Square – a 10-day event celebrating global cuisine, music and community connection. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Operated by Assembly at George Square Gardens, visitors can sample food from over 30 vendors, watch live chef demos, attend free live music sessions and dance the night away at a family-friendly ceilidh in the Palais du Varieìteì Spiegeltent. This year's festival will also support local charities and organisations through its extended programme. On July 24, Goose's Quizzes will host a special edition of their popular Elimination Game at the Spiegeltent. Tickets cost £10 with all proceeds goijng to the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, St Columba's Hospice, and Edinburgh Food Social. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Edinburgh Food Social will also deliver a series of hands-on workshops throughout the festival, from family baking sessions to practical cooking workshops on Scottish classics like Cullen Skink — all designed to build kitchen confidence, reduce food insecurity and make good food accessible to all. The Edinburgh Folk & Food Festival opens at George Square Gardens on July 18 | Rhoda Morrison Assembly Festival managing director, Dani Rae, said: 'This year's Folk & Food Festival brings together everything we care about – brilliant live music, exciting food talent, and a genuine connection to the community. We're thrilled to expand the festival's reach while sticking to what matters - celebrating culture and supporting local voices.' Here is everything you need to know about the Edinburgh Folk & Food Festival 2025. When is the Edinburgh Folk & Food Festival? The festival runs from Friday, July 18 to Sunday, July 27 at George Square Gardens. Most pop-up vendors will serve food until 8pm, with some stalls serving until midnight - especially on weekends. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad How much are tickets to the Edinburgh Folk & Food Festival? The event is a free-to-enter, with some ticketed programmed events at the Palais du Varieìteì Spiegeltent and the new Piccolo Kitchen. Where can I buy tickets to the programmed events? The best place to see the list of programmed events is in the 'What's on' section of the festival website. You can book via the website or buy tickets on the day at the Assembly George Square Garden box office. Ticket prices for events, workshops and concerts range from £5 to £28. Full food vendors line-up We Sell Dumplings, Cargo Spud, Cargo Grill, Panquake, Alanda's Gelato, Alanda's Seafood Grill, Jarvis Pickle, Kebabbar, Chick + Pea, Hot Donut, Assembly Coffee, Paddle and Peel, Moskito Bites, Moskito Bacchus Sangria Bar, Ting Thai, Mac Love, Buffalo Chicken Truck, Cubanos, COOP, Amigos Mexican, The Peruvian, Wholly Waffles, Cala Cala, Bellfield Brewery, Knights Kitchen, Steam Bunny, Bia, Happy Dumplings, Taberu, Chulos, Seabuckthorn, Korean Munchies, Lazeez Street Food, Ceylon Cartel, Etto Panini Mortadella. Over 30 food vendors will feature in the Edinburgh Folk & Food Festival 2025 | Rhoda Morrison Full events programme Edinburgh Food Social: Essential Skills, July 19 at 5pm, Palais du Varieìteì Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Edinburgh Food Social: Get Saucy, July 19 at 7pm, Palais du Varieìteì Fruin Ceilidh Band: July 19 at 9pm, Palais du Varieìteì Edinburgh Food Social: Fun with Flour, July 20 at 12pm, Palais du Varieìteì Edinburgh Food Social: Cullen Skink, July 20 at 2.30pm, Palais du Varieìteì The Tuskers: Cooking demonstration, July 22 at 2pm, Piccolo Kitchen Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Dylan Moss: Cooking demonstration, July 22 at 4pm, Piccolo Kitchen Choola: Cooking demonstration: July 23 at 2pm, Piccolo Kitchen Pop Conscious: Cooking demonstration, July 23 at 4pm, Piccolo Kitchen Daniela Forbes: Cooking demonstration, July 24 at 2pm, Piccolo Kitchen Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Sarah Rankin (MasterChef star): Discussion with Rosie Morton and Amina Shah, July 24 at 4pm,Piccolo Kitchen Goose's Elimination Game Quiz, July 24 at 7.30pm, Palais du Varieìteì Alan Keery: Cooking demonstration July 25 at 2pm, Piccolo Kitchen Sarah Rankin: Discussion with Edinburgh Food Social & Nourish Scotland, July 25 at 4pm, Piccolo Kitchen Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Barry Bryson: Cooking demonstration, July 26 at 2pm, Piccolo Kitchen Tomaìs Gormley: Cooking demonstration, July 26 at 4pm, Piccolo Kitchen Full music line-up Duncan Chisholm, supported by Findlay Napier, July 18 at 7.30pm, Palais du Varieìteì Folksville, July 19 at 2pm, Palais du Varieìteì The Unthanks, supported by Paper Sparrows, July 20 at 7.30pm, Palais du Varieìteì Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Kris Drever and Chris Stout, supported by Iona Fyfe, July 23 at 7.30pm, Palais du Varieìteì The Stairs Sessions: Chris Park and friends, July 25 at 6pm, Piccolo steps The East Pointers, supported by Wave of the Flood, July 26 at 7.30pm, Palais du Varieìteì Eliza Carthy and the Restitution, July 27 at 7.30pm, Palais du Varieìteì Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Is the venue wheelchair accessible? Assembly George Square, The Piccolo and Palais du Variété Spiegeltent are all accessible venues, however the ground may be uneven. Designated accessible toilets are on site For more access information you can visit the Assembly website. The Edinburgh Folk & Food Festival and Assembly Festival are cashless events and the festival is dog friendly so long as pups stay on a lead and are off site by 8pm.
Scotsman
28-04-2025
- General
- Scotsman
Best Scottish Recipes: 14 of the best Scottish foods to make at home according to Scotsman readers
Despite regional differences and arguments over the exact ingredients which should be used, there are plenty of traditional Scottish recipes which are still being made at home. Scotsman readers agreed that stovies were one of the best Scottish recipes to make at home... even if there were strong opinions on what should be going into them. | FomaA - When we asked Scotsman followers on Facebook what 'the best Scottish recipe to cook at home is', hundreds of you replied. And although there were a fair few suggestions for Irn-Bru, whisky or Tennents to be counted on their own, there were many more which offered recipes such as mince and tatties, Cullen skink, stovies and more. And outside of variations in method and ingredients, here are 14 of the best Scottish recipes to cook at home as voted by Scotsman readers. 1 . Mince and Tatties According to Scotsman readers, the best Scottish food to make at home is mince and tatties. A great comfort food of minced beef and mashed tatties, variations with or without neeps, peas, carrots and skirlie were also mentioned. | Maliflower73 - Photo Sales 2 . Stovies Also among the most popular Scottish foods to make at home is Stovies, another potato heavy dish though recipes vary depending on who you ask. | Adobe Stock Photo Sales 3 . Cullen Skink Cullen Skink is a thick Scottish soup which is made with haddock (most authentically using Finnan haddie), potatoes and onions. Originating from the north-east fishing village of Cullen, 'skink' is a Scots word which typically means a shin of beef but in this instance refers to a soup. | FomaA - Photo Sales 4 . Scotch Broth Another hearty dish which Scotsman readers enjoy making at home is a Scotch broth. It can be made in a variety of ways with its main ingredients including barley, root vegetables and stewing cuts of meats such as lamb, mutton or beef. | Adobe Stock Photo Sales Related topics: ScotsmanFacebook
