The Lobster Shop: An Interview with Loren.
InterviewHidden Scotland
The Lobster Shop is on the harbour at Johnshaven, the fishing village between Montrose and Inverbervie, beside the shed where the family has handled lobster and crab for more than 75 years, for wholesalers across Britain and Europe. In January 2020 they opened the shop so that visitors could take some of the catch away: dressed lobster ready for the grill, white and brown crab meat, and seafood rolls, tubs and salads made to the family’s recipes. There are benches outside for a fine day and a covered container for a wild one, both looking out to sea. Loren, its owner, answered our questions about the shop and the coast around it. The answers take in the coast walks north and south, St Cyrus Nature Reserve, a mill with cakes at the end of a walk, and the two days of the week the whole village shuts.
How did The Lobster Shop begin?
We’ve always welcomed visitors to our premises at the harbourside. The activities in the Lobster Shed have fascinated many an interested passer-by and we’re always delighted to show the variety of shellfish the coastline offers us and how carefully we source and manage the produce.
We thought, wouldn’t it be great if folks could take some away to enjoy at home?
So, in January 2020 we established The Lobster Shop! Now everyone can taste the exquisite flavour of Johnshaven Lobster or Crab.
Experience our dressed lobster, split and picked ready for popping under the grill. Try our delicate white and rich brown crab meat, ready to eat or add to your favourite dish.
And there’s much more too including a range of fresh seafood rolls, tubs and salads, all prepared to the same simple but compellingly moreish family recipes that demonstrate our passion for shellfish.
What do your regulars keep coming back for?
Our favourite compliment is repeat customers! They mostly come back to enjoy the fresh seafood whilst sitting by the sea watching the boats catching lobster & crab. We have some outside seating for the nicer days and a container seating area for those stormier days. Both still allow the full sea view
Can you recommend a perfect day out before a meal at your restaurant? Where would you suggest your customers go?
We have the luck of some beautiful coastal walks north & south of Johnshaven. Whether you trek for an hour all the way to Inverbervie or just 10 minutes south you will find some stunning views and newly laid pathways. Further afield within a 5 minute drive we have the Benholm Mill Cafe & St Cyrus Nature Reserve
Which local walks nearby would you recommend to your customers?
St Cyrus Nature Reserve is a personal favourite of ours. They have a large car parking area and you can find informational posts about the wildlife which is found at the reserve. The Benholm Mill has newly paved areas and is great for a shorter walk with kids. The best part being the homebaked cakes at the end of your walk.
Any places you would suggest to your customers when it's a rainy day?
Scotland has such unpredictable weather but in the words of the Big Yin, ‘There’s no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes’
If you forget the right clothes Johnshaven has a lovely cafe, The Hidden Treasure Tearoom which has delicious fresh bakes and seating area indoors.
Which local places do you always tell friends about?
Any local tips you would pass on to a visitor?
Mondays & Tuesdays the Anchor Hotel, Hidden Treasure Tearoom, Lobster Shop and Waters Edge gift shop are all closed!!!
Park wisely!! Roads are not parking spots :)
The Lobster Shop is on Fore Street by Johnshaven harbour. It opens Wednesday to Friday from noon to 5pm and Saturday from noon to 3pm, and on Sundays in summer; it is always closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Platters and dressed lobsters can be ordered ahead online, with delivery for anyone further away.
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