The Crab & Lobster Fish Shack in South Queensferry is setting its sights on further success as it unveils a new Taste of Summer menu and enters a string of major industry awards.
The popular restaurant is competing in two of the UK’s leading accolades within the fish and chip sector: Best Restaurant at the National Fish & Chip Awards and a place in the UK Top 10 Restaurant category at the Fry Awards. Closer to home, it is also flying the flag for Scotland in the SLTN (Scottish Licensed Trade News) Awards, where it is shortlisted for Best New Business, as well as vying for Best Restaurant at the Scottish Fish & Chip Awards.
Owner Bryan Coghill said the awards season offers operators a valuable opportunity to showcase their achievements. “The summer season sees our fish and chip industry once again reach out to operators to share their success stories,” he said. “They want to see the best takeaways and restaurants across the country entering these various awards. Sometimes, as in the case of the Scottish Fish & Chip Awards, this involves asking customers to vote directly for their favourites. In other cases, it’s representatives from our own industry that decide who wins.
“The whole process promotes excellence and keeps fish and chips, still the nation’s favourite, very much at the forefront.”
Reflecting on the Fish Shack’s early success, Bryan pointed to a strong first year following its launch. “We were named Forth One’s Restaurant of the Year and picked up the hotly contested runner-up spot in the Best Newcomer Award at the National Fish & Chip Awards,” he said. “It was brilliant to be recognised so soon after opening, and a clear indication that we were on the right path in elevating fish and chips to a new level.”
He added that entering awards has proved worthwhile for the business. “They may take time and money, but are very much worth it for the traction they bring. We felt we had created something special in bringing The Crab & Lobster Fish Shack to fruition, making use of a redundant restaurant building which has been brought back to life. Fortunately, the judges agreed.”
Now, the team has its sights firmly set on securing one of the industry’s top honours. “It’s the big one we want now – the Best Restaurant Award at the National Fish & Chip Awards,” Bryan said.
A family-run operation, the restaurant sees Bryan working alongside his son Jack, who serves as Head Chef, as well as his wife Michelle and daughter-in-law Sarah. The team has embraced the busy South Queensferry setting. “It’s very buzzy and vibrant here with lots of passing trade,” Bryan added. “We have lots more ideas to implement throughout the rest of the year and are always adding new dishes and drinks.”
Central to its summer offering is the newly launched Taste of Summer menu, which includes the popular Fish Shack Supper Club. Running Monday to Friday from 11.30am to 3pm, the deal offers traditional or gluten-free battered haddock with chips, homemade tartar sauce, bread and butter, and tea for £15.
Beyond the kitchen, the business continues to invest in the local community. The restaurant sponsors the South Queensferry football team KSQ Galaxy & Rapids and supports Cash for Kids as its chosen charity. Customers are currently encouraged to donate “invisible” fish suppers via QR codes placed on tables, with all proceeds going directly to the charity.
“We’re always looking to give something back to our community,” Bryan said, adding that a larger fundraising initiative is already in the pipeline for next year.
As the summer season gets underway, the team is also making the most of its outdoor seating, inviting guests to enjoy the warmer weather alongside its seafood offering. Bryan concluded: “We hope our customers have a lovely summer dining experience with us. And remember, you cannae beat a Crab and Lobster Fish Shack fish supper.”
Further Details: www.thecrabandlobsterfishshack.com
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Link to buy an invisible fish supper and donate: https://www.cashforkidsgive.co.uk/campaign/radio-forth-charity-champions/fundraisers/the-crab-and-lobster-fish-shack/
Link to vote for Crab & Lobster Fish Shack in the Scottish Fish & Chip Awards: https://scottishfishandchipawards.co.uk/vote-2026/
