Street-food venture is launched

The business, known as Amble Grill Topia, is located in the Amble Town Square area, and is aimed at attracting local people, as well as the tourist trade between the harbour and main shopping area.

The venture was extensively researched last year by James and positive feedback encouraged him to prepare the outlet over the winter months for its official summer 2016 launch.

As well as his own meals, James will be assisted by Thai-born Anna Ireland, who is creating authentic Thai dishes as part of the menu range.

James has international catering experience having worked in Thailand and New Zealand and is bringing a fresh culinary approach to the coastal landscape.

Local food is also on the menu at Amble Grill Topia.

James said: “Amble has a vibrant tourist trade and I am looking forward to offering visitors a taste sensation.

“We also carry the Made in Northumbria stamp as our high-quality beef, lamb and pork is supplied through Forsyth’s Amble Butchers.

“Fresh fish is supplied by local fishermen and I will be using locally-sourced produce when in season.”

James has worked in numerous restaurants across the region and was named as one of Rick Stein’s Food Heroes for his culinary accomplishments. He has also been a recipient of the prestigious Great Taste Awards.

Providing a new street-food concept will enhance the choices available to tourists, according to James.

“Amble is becoming a renowned hub for culinary tastes and the likes of Robson Green’s Tales from Northumberland has helped lift the profile of the town and surrounding area and we aim to add to the increasing profile.

“Amble Grill Topia can also be hired for outdoor functions and parties and we recently provided the catering for a photo-shoot as well as a surfing beach party organised by Jon Nolan, of Northside Surf School, Amble.”

Grill Topia is the latest offering to Amble’s growing list of food options.

Recently, chef Martin Charlton, of The Old Boat House, unveiled The Fish Shack at the Sea Quest, which is a wooden building partly made from an upturned training boat. The harbour-side venue was officially launched by footballing legend Jack Charlton.

To celebrate Amble’s growing food reputation, the first Amble Food Festival is taking place on Saturday, June 4.