Old Boat House chefs plan quirky fish shack
Martin Charlton, co-owner of The Old Boat House
“It’s all pretty exciting,” said Martin Charlton, co-owner of the Old Boat House restaurant on Amble’s quayside. “The idea is to create a new quality food outlet, selling fish and shellfish. It will be family orientated food, but more of a take-away than a restaurant.”
Martin and business partner Richard Sim plan to set up a fish shack-style eaterie with cooking facilities located in two containers on the harbour. An old training boat is being cut in two, turned upside down and raised so it can be used as a place for people to eat.
“It’s going to add something quirky, with the seating and shelter,” said Martin “Warkworth Harbour Commissioners approached us with the opportunity to do something at the far side of the harbour. But it’s all linked in with the expected visitor increase from the new Harbour Village. We’ve got to create something exciting. This we can set up very quickly and serve high quality food.”
“We get around 700 people per week already at the Old Boat House. We already employ 17-19 staff, the majority are from the local area. We’ll be able to employ more staff and one apprentice.
Plans have been submitted and with support from the Town Council, Martin and Richard are working closely with the planning department.
Old training boat Seaquest will become a quirky shelter for people to eat in.
“This will be a great opportunity for us and for the local area. Not only will we be keeping Seaquest the training boat in Amble, but it will be a really nice quirky environment for people to come and sit in,” said Martin.
“We hope it will add to making the town a destination venue. The harbour’s a beautiful place to be all times of the year.”
Anna Williams
