By Ania Askwith
Dodgin’s Yard, 8-10 Union Quay, North Shields, NE30 1HH
If you’re looking for a relaxed spot to enjoy some hearty food in North Shields, Dodgin’s Yard is the place to try.
We ventured out to try their seafood as we’ve heard so much about it – we had to try it for ourselves. The venue itself is intimate and cosy, but the flavours in each dish are big and bold.
The perfect spot right by the river

Dodgin’s Yard is the perfect mix of casual dining and stylish vibes, located right on the picturesque Fish Quay, which makes it super convenient to pop in after a nice walk. The menu features a great selection of classic pub favourites with a focus on fresh seafood. And if, like me – you are a fan of seafood, Dodgin’s Yard in North Shields should be at the top of your list. We found it to be serve of the freshest, most delicious seafood around.

A seafood feast at Dodgin’s Yard
The menu is filled with an incredible selection of fresh, locally sourced seafood from The Stella Maris, the restaurant’s own fishing trawler. Each day, the trawler delivers seafood to the restaurant, ensuring only the freshest catches make it to your plate. I have read about this on their website before our visit, and knowing this made me really excited for our date night.
We opted for The Angler Board, a sharing platter full of hot seafood that was perfect for two (you could even share it with another person if you are not super hungry, as the portions were really, really generous and some items come in threes – like fishcakes and battered goujons).

The board was an absolute showstopper, featuring a mouthwatering mix of:
- Garlic butter lobster: Succulent and rich, with the garlic butter soaking into every tender bite.
- Stella Maris langoustines: Sweet and delicate, these little beauties were a standout. Took a little work to get all that juicy meat out but it was so worth it!
- Fish cakes: Crispy on the outside with a soft, flaky fish filling. I really liked their flavour that was subtle, but really delicious.
- Cod goujons: Lightly battered, perfectly fried, and oh-so-delicious. You could really tell the fish was super fresh.
- Moules marinière: Plump, juicy mussels served in a rich, creamy sauce. I asked for extra bread at the end to mop up all the sauce as it was too good not to eat it all. I would have licked the dish but didn’t want to annoy other diners!
- Garlic prawns: STUNNING, these prawns were a real treat. We have been lucky to have some incredible prawn dishes recently and these are up there with the best!
- Firecracker salmon: A chunky piece of salmon that had a perfect balance of smooth and smoky; the char just added so much deliciousness, the kind of flavours I really enjoy. Definitely one of the highlights. Loui agrees as I took the skin home to share with him – salmon is his favourite.

If you’re a seafood lover, the Angler Board at Dodgin’s Yard is the way to go. But if you prefer something different, they have a great menu selection in addition to their main menu, including steak and many pub classics, so there’s something for everybody. Kyle, the head chef, has curated a standout of a menu in my opinion.
Location: North Shields
Dodgin’s Yard, 8-10 Union Quay, North Shields, NE30 1HH, is located at the picturesque North Shields Fish Quay. The nearest metro station, North Shields, is only about a 10-minute walk away. Parking is available right across from the restaurant and it is free after 6pm.
Tips for visiting
- Book in advance: This place is popular, especially on weekends, so make sure to book your table ahead of time. We went for 5pm on a Friday and within 30 mins the place started to fill up.
- Get the Angler Board: If you’re a seafood lover, you simply can’t miss the sharing board. It’s the perfect way to sample a variety of delicious seafood dishes.
- Try different menu options: They do a fantastic looking Sunday lunch, with dishes like braised lamb shank and slow-cooked brisket. They also offer a steak night menu and a tapas menu, all of which look great.
Link:
For more details, visit Dodgin’s Yard’s website here.
Reviews:
With a fantastic 4.7/5-star rating on Google, Dodgin’s Yard is clearly a hit with locals. Reviewers talk about the quality of the seafood, the welcoming atmosphere, and the great location.
Best for:
Seafood, fresh locally sourced ingredients, riverside dining, Sunday lunch, North Shields Fish Quay, steak night, tapas, North Shields dining
Whether you’re in the mood for a fresh seafood feast, elevated Sunday roast, or any of the pub classics we all love – Dodgin’s Yard has you covered.
Enjoyed this post? If you love discovering things to do, places to go, and the best spots to eat and drink in the North East and beyond, be sure to follow my blog for more reviews, recommendations, travel tips, and hidden gems. And for a closer look at my day-to-day experiences, follow me on Instagram@ania.askwith for behind-the-scenes content and even more discoveries! Let’s explore together!

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