They might be rough around the edges, but that’s what makes these seafood shacks and sheds so great. With sun kissed skin and salty hair finish your day at the beach with a bite to eat at one of these pit stops…
Cookies Crab Shop
Salthouse, NR25 7AJ | 01263 740352
Overlooking the pebbly shores of Salthouse, Cookies is a North Norfolk favourite. The counter is a simple set up offering a variety of seafood, smoked fish and sharing platters. Takeaway, dine in the hut next door or eat al fresco. You can even bring your own wine. It gets busy during the summer so call ahead to reserve a table or order your crab or lobster – they generally sell out! www.salthouse.org.uk
The Crab Hut
Harbour Way, Brancaster Staithe, PE31 8BW | 01485 525369
Don’t leave Brancaster without trying a crab filled baguette from this little shack! It doesn’t get much fresher than this – the owner catches lobster, crab and more from their boat, Speedwell, out of Brancaster Staithe. Pre-order your baguette with a filling of your choice for the perfect beach picnic. www.letzersseafood.co.uk
Ash Smoked Fishes
Crag Path, Aldeburgh IP15 5BT
The black shed with its chalkboard menus has become somewhat of a landmark on the Aldeburgh seafront. Enjoy the likes of haddock, eel, salmon, tuna, mackerel and more, freshly smoked, for a tasty lunch sat on a picnic bench on the beach. www.aldeburghsmokehouse.co.uk
Pinney’s of Orford
Shop: The Old Warehouse, Quay St, Orford, P12 2NU | 01394 459183
Restaurant: Butley Orford Oysterage, Market Hill, Orford, IP12 2LH | 01394 450277
It’s the lure of Pinney’s fresh catch from the North Sea and their rustic charm that captivates visitors to Orford. This little Suffolk town serves up some of the county’s best produce. Pinney’s oysters have been farmed at Butley Creek since 1959, and the traditional smokehouse supplies freshly smoked fish. Pick up food on the go at their shop on the Quay or book a table in the simplistic restaurant on Market Hill for a hot and smoky lunch with a side of oysters! www.pinneysoforford.co.uk
Osborne Bros
Billet Wharf, High Street, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 2ER | 01702 477233
One of Essex’s oldest seafood suppliers, Osborne Bros has been serving their fresh catch since the 1880s. You’ll find them in Old Leigh on Cockle Shed Row. Slide into one of the picnic benches or choose a spot on the wall overlooking the estuary, and tuck into freshly caught shell fish such as cockles, mussels, whelks, winkles, prawns and more. Wash it down with a glass of wine from the Crooked Billet pub opposite. During the summer and on sunny winter days this place is heaving, so be prepared to wait…we promise it’s worth it! www.osbornebros.co.uk
The Company Shed
129 Coast Rd, West Mersea, Colchester CO5 8PA | 01206 382700
The no thrills concept is what makes this seafood shed so popular. Serving up fresh local seafood, diners are encouraged to bring their own wine and bread for a tasty lunch. However during the summer months you can expect a two hour wait after midday. If you hate queues pick up a selection of seafood to take away and find a little sandy spot further up the coast. www.thecompanyshed.co
