The Jolly Fisherman, Alnwick

The Jolly Fisherman was our final stop of a Northumberland crawl. It overlooks the small harbour at Craster and seems to major on seafood. There are a number of sections around a central bar inside, but all tables indoors were either occupied or reserved for diners. Children and dogs are allowed. Instead, we decided to take a seat on one of the picnic tables to the front of the pub where the last few rays of sun could be enjoyed, until I had the (not so bright) idea to move to the rear of the pub for some sea and harbour views. The seating on a patio to the rear had more of an Arctic feel to it, but then I don't think anybody has ever described the North Sea as tropical. Suddenly it felt more like a winter's day. The one heater was not working, but there were at least some covered booths that provided a little respite from the cold wind. We should really have moved back to the front, but the sea views are enjoyable. At the bar, Timothy Taylor Landlord is the regular beer. Hadrian Border Farne Island was also on along with a house beer badged as Jolly's Reward. I'm not sure what it is with Northumberland, but most pubs seem to rebadge local beers as their own. This one turned out to be not so local. The helpful barman confirmed what I had read somewhere that Jolly's Reward was a Laine's beer from Sussex. In addition, the two ciders were also rebadged as Jolly Sea Cider & Jolly Sea Cider Dark Fruits. These were in fact from Appleshed. I suppose it appeals more to the tourists who are misled into thinking they are drinking an original locally produced ale or cider. Graham sums this place up quite well below. It's more of a restaurant than a pub. It enjoys a nice location and I bet the tiny car park at the front is manic on a busy day in the height of summer.

As previously described, more of a restaurant than a pub but perhaps depending on the time of visit. Early on a weekday lunchtime it was pretty busy with diners but drinkers were still being accepted albeit pointed to the outdoor areas. Beers still as before and the house-badged brew was fair enough; the food was very good also.

Pretty much a pub themed restaurant in a picturesque coastal village, casual drinkers are welcome but seating for non diners is at a premium. Parking is also very limited, visitors are expected to park outside the village and walk in there are a few spaces in front of the pub. Divided into three areas, an informal mixed space at the front with the counter, a dining area to the left and a more formal dining area to the rear with sea views. Decorated with photos of fishing folk and the odd bit of natural history and sealife, the restaurant specialises in seafood. Furnished partly with leather banquettes, round tables and chairs. Three pulls with Landlord (average), a Hadrian Border Farne Island and an own badged beer of unknown provenance, usual stuff on T-bars, more of the same in the left hand room. GBG 2024 listed but I wasn’t too impressed with the beer, or the service and even less with the other punters. I'm with Real Ale ray on this one in spite of the passage of nearly a decade.

Stunning location - over the harbour with the coast path running through the garden. Beer wise - its Cask Marque accredited, with an old Timothy Taylor Landlord green sign on the front. I was delighted to see it was sold and in super condition. Other beers noticed were Black Sheep. The food was amazing - crab sandwiches and kipper pate shared between us. High quality.