Jaspers Bistro

Locally landed fish is the main attraction at this bijou, personally run bistro in the Northumbrian harbour town of Amble – once dubbed ‘the friendliest port in England’. It’s a warm, cosy, intimate spot with a big bar counter and an open kitchen where chef-patron Ryan Humphrys delivers some very sound, classic seafood cookery: smoked haddock fishcakes are served on zingy fresh crab salad, crusty seared scallops come with a black olive and anchovy tapenade, although the star turn is an impressive saffron-enriched and deeply flavoured bouillabaisse loaded with langoustines, mussels, grey shrimps and more besides. Lindisfarne oysters, beer-battered monkfish and fish pie also feature, alongside ribeye steaks, pork belly and mushroom risotto, while comforting desserts such as Eton mess should ‘keep you smiling’. Also don’t miss the gorgeous homemade saffron focaccia with Marmite butter. A team of friendly, professional staff back up the kitchen’s endeavours and ensure that the mood remains buoyant. A decent list of affordable wines is bolstered by bespoke cocktails and a prodigious collection of rare whiskies.