Loch Fyne – Newhaven Harbour

My mum was down for a visit and the sun was shining so we decided to head along to Loch Fyne Seafood and Grill at Newhaven Harbour to sit on the terrace and enjoy the beautiful weather. We phoned ahead to see if we could book an outside table but sadly they don’t take bookings for the deck area – it’s first come first served.

We thought Loch Fyne would be a good choice of restaurant as my mum has a severe egg allergy and it’s not always easy finding places to eat.   Hopefully we couldn’t go wrong with a fish restaurant!

When we arrived the outside terrace was full, but we were shown to a table right beside the open doors, so had the best of both worlds.

The restaurant is large and cavernous with metal beams and trusses making a bold statement.  The floor to ceiling windows overlooking Newhaven harbour add to the airy environment.  Loch Fyne also have a retail shop on site where they sell fish and shellfish, so you can stock up before you leave.  If you fancy take away fish and chips…..they do that too!

Service was good with our order taken quickly and without any fuss.  (We also visited on another very warm and sunny day and service wasn’t so hot – the staff were run off their feet with an unexpected influx of diners)

The menu is extensive with every kind of seafood and fish you can imagine.  Half Lobster seemed to be very popular but I decided to have Scottish Rope Grown Mussels (hoping they were from home in the West Highlands) in a garlic, shallot, cream and parsley liquor, served with french fries and crusty bread (£12.95).  My mum also loves mussels so she opted for them too – definitely egg free!

I love food that you can eat with your fingers, so this main was just perfect.  A good serving of very tasty mussels was complimented by the delicious crusty bread – perfect for dipping and mopping up all of the juices.  The chips were crisp and plentiful and a perfect partner to the mussels….it felt very naughty.

A finger bowl was provided but not required as I think I licked my fingers squeaky clean – absolutely delicious!

I thought the price of the dish was excellent value for money as many other establishments charge more for the mussels and then you end up paying for the chips as a side dish.

The restaurant also offers a daily specials menu, so Raymond decided to try a dish from this menu.  He had Salmon skirlie, served with new potatoes, roast vegetables and a pesto sauce.

The salmon was perfectly cooked (you would hope so though for a fish restaurant) and the skirlie topping added a nice crunch and texture to the dish.  You wouldn’t immediately think of putting pesto and salmon together but it worked well and was a lovely flavour combination.

To finish with I just had to sample the Pimm’s Jelly with fresh fruit, cucumber and mint granita (£5.95).

The dessert was very slow in arriving and we had to remind the waiter that we had ordered it, but when it arrived it was worth the wait.  They didn’t skimp on the Pimms – it tasted very boozy with lots of different fruits suspended in the jelly.  Sadly, I’m still looking for the mint granita, which is a pity as I’m sure it would have really added to the overall taste of the dessert.

We enjoy visiting Loch Fyne restaurant and it has the added bonus of making you feel that you are being semi healthy by dining on fish!  If you go, be sure to register online and you will be emailed a £10 voucher off your first meal.  You are then encouraged to sign up as a friend and you’ll receive lots of discounts and free drinks during future visits.

Loch Fyne also do a breakfast/brunch menu which looks like a great deal…..we haven’t been yet but will blog about it when we do.  If you make it for breakfast before us, be sure to let us know how you get on by leaving a comment below.

25 Pier Place

Newhaven Harbour

Edinburgh

EH6 4LP

Tel: 0131 559 3900