The talented Masterchef the Professionals finalist 2010 John Calton, together with his wife Kimberley and his business partner, James Laffan have opened their first solo venture called The Straith House on North Shields Fish Quay. Previous a rundown old boozer known as The New Dolphin, the 200 year old building has undergone a £300,000 refurbishment. Inside it has a nautical theme reflecting the Fish Quay's industrial heritage, with portholes as windows, ship lamps, maps of fishing grounds on the walls, and ship charts on the ceiling. Much is made of reclaimed wood, banquette seating is covered in tartan upholstery and an open pass gives an excellent view of all the action in the kitchen.

John offers a seasonal daily changing menu, fish arrives from the boats moored a few steps from the pub, and rare-breed pork and locally supplied beef, lamb and game is sourced from trusted suppliers. The quality of ingredients and the creativity and execution of the dishes, has seen Straith House awarded a plethora of awards within the first year of its opening including Gastropub Chef of the Year 2016 and listed at number 31 in the Top Gastropubs 2016.

Your meal kicks of with homemade toasted crusty bread served with a pan of hot beef dripping, before starters such as West Coast King Scallops, smoked paprika hummus and basil. Main courses take in slow cooked Orchard Farm pig belly, fluffy mash, roast lettuce and sweet English mustard or grilled plaice, rattes', samphire and Morecambe Bay brown shrimp. There are a line-up of desserts to finish including treacle tart, pineapple, coconut and rum syrup or vanilla rice pudding, butterscotch and banana.

The wine list offers good value and although food is a big draw here, it still operates as a local watering hole, and guests who pop in for a relaxing drink are made very welcome.

The Straith House is also featured in: Michelin Guide, Good Food Guide, Hardens

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Gastro pub / British

John Calton

Lunch: 12.00 - 3.00pm (12.00 - 3.30pm Sat) (12.00 - 5.00pm Sun)
Dinner: 6.00 - 9.00pm Mon-Thu (6.00 - 9.30pm Fri & Sat)

Visa, Master Card

• Alfresco dining
• Disabled access

Private parking is possible at a location nearby