I celebrated my birthday with lunch at Dodgin’s Yard so thought I’d share an honest review.

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About Dodgin’s Yard

Perched on the picturesque North Shields Fish Quay, Dodgin’s Yard brings together cosy, intimate dining with stunning views across the River Tyne.

It’s a spot where relaxed charm meets proper North East hospitality, whether you’re dropping in for breakfast, lingering over lunch, or settling in for a leisurely Sunday roast.

What truly sets Dodgin’s apart is its commitment to fresh, local ingredients.

The team’s very own fishing trawler – The Stella Maris – lands at the quay daily, bringing in a hand-picked catch chosen personally by Head Chef Kyle.

From there, the menu is built around seasonal flavours, quality produce and a passion for showcasing the best of the coastline.

A visit to Dodgin’s Yard promises thoughtful dishes, warm surroundings and an experience rooted in the heart of the Fish Quay.

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Birthday lunch at Dodgin’s Yard

On a snowy, bitterly cold November lunchtime, a birthday outing to the North Tyneside coast felt like exactly the right kind of adventure.

The Fish Quay in North Shields is somewhere not visited for quite some time, but Dodgin’s Yard has been on the must-try list for ages – and a birthday (chapter 37!) seemed the perfect excuse.

Wrapped up warm, the short and careful walk from the nearby free car park set the tone for a cosy lunchtime escape.

It’s immediately clear just how much hard work has gone into regenerating the Fish Quay – and it has absolutely paid off.

The whole area feels refreshed, characterful and welcoming.

A Warm Welcome

Upon arrival, a friendly member of staff – later overheard to be called Jade – greeted us warmly and offered a choice of tables.

One overlooking the water (but sensibly away from the door!) was the winner.

Drinks were quickly selected: an apple juice for Steve and a Coke Zero for me. Sadly, no full-fat Coke on offer, but the celebration spirit remained intact.

A Feast for Two

Choosing from the lunchtime menu was no easy task.

There were so many tempting dishes, but when in birthday mode, why not go all out?

The Angler Board for two felt like the perfect way to sample as much as possible.

As drinks arrived, there was a moment to take in the surroundings: relaxed, stylish, nautical without being kitsch, and accompanied by chilled background music.

Dodgin’s Yard has nailed the easy-going, welcoming vibe.

Jade returned with the impressive platter, cleverly extending the table by merging it with the one next to us.

A thoughtful touch – and very necessary, given the size of the feast set down in front of us.

Seafood Heaven

The board looked phenomenal. The king prawns, swimming in a gorgeously rich garlic sauce, called out immediately.

Each element was beautifully cooked and packed with flavour.

Steve declared the sea bass his top pick, and it was saved till last as a special final bite.

There was plenty for two – but don’t worry, none of it went to waste.

The salmon, usually not a personal favourite, was a surprise highlight: smoky, flaky, and incredibly moreish.

The fish cakes, not often a first choice, were a revelation – crisp on the outside, generously filled, and wonderfully juicy inside.

The langoustines looked stunning but put up a bit of a challenge without any cracking tools. Still, every effort was made!

The chunky chips, finished with sea salt and vinegar from the table, were spot on – lightly crisp outside, soft in the centre.

At £55, the board isn’t the cheapest lunch for two, but considering the quality and quantity, it felt like excellent value.

The Birthday Girl Dessert Moment

Steve couldn’t manage pudding, but naturally, the birthday girl found room.

Another Coke Zero appeared alongside a chocolate brownie served with vanilla ice cream, crushed Oreos, chocolate sauce and fresh fruit.

A quick trip upstairs to the ladies (clean and totally fine!) and it was time to dive in.

The brownie was enormous – and genuinely one of the tastiest restaurant brownies enjoyed in a long time.

Slight crunch on the outside, gooey in the middle, perfectly warm.

The fruit was fresh and juicy, the ice cream silky smooth, and the Oreos added just the right texture and extra chocolate hit.

Final Thoughts

A lovely, child-free birthday lunch date in a gorgeous setting, with excellent food and friendly service.

Dodgin’s Yard delivered everything hoped for and more, and there’s already a list forming of dishes to try next time.

A return visit is definitely on the cards.

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Where is Dodgin’s Yard?