Amble restaurant fishes for votes in bid to win third annual title

It has been nominated again for the Coastal Fish Restaurant of the Year in the 2018 Fishing News Awards, having scooped the prize in both 2016 and 2017, and voting closes at the end of the week.

The awards celebrate outstanding achievements, expertise and innovation in the coastal and fishing industries. Last year, the restaurant was commended for its use of local produce and friendly service and the owners are hoping to win the 2018 prize so they can continue to raise Amble’s profile and see its coastal community thrive.

The Old Boat House Food Group was founded in 2014 by husband-and-wife duo Martin and Ruth Charlton, who now run four venues in Amble and Blyth, employing 32 staff.

Their initial offering, The Old Boat House, has since become a nationally renowned destination for seafood fans. Martin believes this is partly due to their previous awards.

“Last year’s award gave us the confidence to open a new venue in Amble, La Famiglia, creating a further six full-time jobs. We also launched Northumberland Restaurant Week.

“We hope this proves our continued support in growing the local economy and providing employment opportunities in the area”.

To coincide with the award bid, the food group plans to expand and modernise The Old Boat House, creating eight more jobs and draw more people to Amble Harbour Village, helping to cement Amble’s reputation as a growing tourist destination.

Ruth Charlton said: “We’re dedicated to engaging with our local community in a number of ways; from supporting apprentices through Northumberland College to using a range of local suppliers and fishermen.”

The restaurant group will be running a range of competitions and giveaways to celebrate the nomination and thank its customers for their support. For more info, visit boathousefoodgroup.co.ukVoting closes at midnight on Friday, April 27. To vote, visit tiny.cc/amble or via fishingnews.co.uk/awards