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Beer of the Week (w/e 27th April 2025) with Thuck Phat
on the Pub Forum
Detail Pages
The Jolly Fisherman, Alnwick
Craster
Postal town: Alnwick
NE66 3TR
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 7 of 10) see review guidelines
Blue Scrumpy left this review about The Jolly Fisherman
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.
On 1st April 2025
- rating: 5
[User has posted 3040 recommendations about 3038 pubs]
Graham Coombs left this review about The Jolly Fisherman
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.
On 30th July 2024
- rating: 6
[User has posted 3641 recommendations about 3576 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Old Boots left this review about The Jolly Fisherman
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.
On 12th October 2023
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 3599 recommendations about 3279 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Ian Mapp left this review about The Jolly Fisherman Inn
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.
On 7th May 2019
- rating: 10
[User has posted 1563 recommendations about 1543 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Real Ale Ray left this review about Jolly Fisherman Inn
We called in just after the lunch time service when the place had quietened down slightly. The pub must have been jammed, as the staff looked exhausted and there were still loads of plates on tables everywhere. The high deck lounge at the rear seemed to be the spot to get, as it overlooks the sea. I would describe the Jolly Fisherman to be more of a restaurant/gastro pub, than a typical refreshment shop. Their Mordue Workie Ticket was too cold and overpriced. The price of the food was also expensive, this place is overrated to me.
On 21st August 2014
- rating: 6
[User has posted 3645 recommendations about 3645 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Here For Beer left this review about Jolly Fisherman Inn
the food has to be tasted to be believed. wonderful sea-food, as it's almost as fresh as you can possibly get! the kipper pate and crab sandwiches are a particular delicacy. with a panoramic view across the north sea from the upstairs window, the pub also allows dogs in the beer garden. the pub is also ideal for visiting walkers and families either before or after they've made the trek to Dunstanburgh Castle.
On 9th February 2009
- rating: 8
[User has posted 4 recommendations about 4 pubs]