Two Tyne and Wear establishments have been named among the best coastal cafes and restaurants by the beach in the UK.

Latimer’s Seafood in Whitburn and Riley’s Fish Shack in Tynemouth both featured in the ‘23 of the best coastal cafes and restaurants by the beach’ list curated by the Good Food Guide.

Finding a spot by the sea to tuck into some good hearty seafood grub after a day of exploring the coast is one of the greatest pleasures of visiting British beaches.

The Good Food Guide says: “These cafes, bistros and seasonal shacks - all within a salty kiss of the coast - are coming up trumps for good, unfussy food and atmosphere.

“Order fish and shellfish as fresh as the sea breeze, and while booking might be advisable at some (especially at peak times), we list places that welcome spur-of-the-moment walk-ins too. Relax, the holidays have begun!”

You can see the full list of seaside locations here.

What did the Good Food Guide say about Latimer’s Seafood in Whitburn?

The experts wrote: “On the coast just above Sunderland, Whitburn village has a treat for cooks in the form of Latimer's fresh fish counter and seafood deli.

“The attached café has morphed into the Hatch Takeaway, although there's plenty of seating indoors and outside – all the better for some dolphin-spotting.

“Expect breakfast (kipper in a bun), lunch (seafood picnic boxes) and a piscine take on afternoon tea starring a crab or prawn sandwich.

“There are some non-fish options too, and the Hatch is licensed – perfect if you need refreshment after finishing a coastal walk.”

On Tripadvisor, Latimer’s Seafood currently has a 4/5 rating out of 351 reviews.

A recent customer posted: “Latimer's seafood is amazing, tuna and swordfish is to die for, cafe is good, Steve and the staff are brilliant, seafood chowder something else as well as all the other home made produce, would recommend.”

Latimer’s Seafood is located at Shell Hill, Whitburn Bents Road, Sunderland, SR6 7NT.

What did the Good Food Guide say about Riley’s Fish Shack in Tynemouth?

The publisher said: “During the summer season, you can now hire a deckchair from Riley’s and eat their food on the beach (they will also sell you a blanket to use and take home if the weather’s breezy).

“The location – a glass-fronted shipping container facing the North Sea – is spot-on for a menu inspired by the owners’ stints as street-food vendors.

“Seasonal seafood is the deal, and the day's dishes (and service times) often depend on the catch. Items are rubbed off the blackboard as they sell out, although Riley’s classic wood-fired sourdough wraps (served in their famous ‘floppy’ cardboard boxes) are a fixture – perhaps BBQ Craster kippers, bavette steak or ‘hot plate’ hake with caper butter.

“Otherwise, the line-up might run from chilli fish empanadas via salt cod with grilled cos lettuce, smoked egg and preserved lemon to pan-roasted headliners such as turbot ‘chop’, lemon sole or brill (served with panzanella salad).”

The Good Food Guide adds: “Round off with one of Riley’s special soft-serves (wood-fired pineapple or peaches and cream, say).

"A dozen wines are served in plastic tumblers, there are plenty of ales from regional breweries and the venue also does a good line in homemade beverages (try the hot butter rum).”

@newcastlegateshead Lots of love for Riley’s 🫶 Find them overlooking King Edward’s Bay in Tynemouth #northeast #thingstodo #datenight #summer #weekendplans ♬ Just Friends - Amy Winehouse

On Tripadvisor, Riley’s Fish Shack has a rating of 4.5/5 out of 1,615 reviews.

Someone who didn’t think they were “much of a seafood fan” commented: “For someone that thought they weren't that much of a seafood fan this place was a revelation of what great seafood should be like.

“We were a party of six plus mutt and nobody could fault the food or service.

“Would highly recommend.”

Riley’s Fish Shack is located at King Edward's Bay, Tynemouth, NE30 4BY.