Riley's Fish Shack

About Riley's Fish Shack

Riley's Fish Shack is a celebrated beachside seafood spot at King Edward's Bay in Tynemouth, tucked beneath the headland on the sand. Founded by Adam and Lucy Riley, it began as a roving street-food bicycle stall at the inaugural Tynemouth Food Festival in May 2012, trading seasonally before establishing its permanent home on the beach. The concept grew from the founders' wish to bring fresh, honest seafood to their home coast.

The shack cooks over open fire, chargrilling and wood-roasting the day's catch sourced from the North Shields Fish Quay auction and supplied by local day boats, so the menu shifts with the seasons and the tides. Dishes have featured monkfish, turbot, halibut, squid, langoustines, lobster, oysters and mackerel, and diners eat around fire pits and rustic tables by the water. Its reputation reached national heights when The Guardian's Jay Rayner hailed it as "the eating experience of the year".

Featured in These Guides

Blog posts and guides that feature Riley's Fish Shack.

Best Fish and Chips in Tynemouth (2026)

Longsands Fish Kitchen, Riley's on the beach, and Marshall's — the best fish and chips in Tynemouth reviewed with prices and locations.

Best Restaurants in Tynemouth (2026)

The best restaurants in Tynemouth reviewed — beachside seafood at Riley's, tapas at Ora, Italian at Allards, and more. Menus, prices, and how to book.