The Fishing Boat Inn, Boulmer A Pint Of Ale Pub Review
A modern sea-front pub in the tiny village of Boulmer, The Fishing Boat Inn (’FBI’) has amazing sea views, decent food and local ales. There’s just one thing missing…
The last time I was in Northumberland, the Fishing Boat Inn (known locally simply as the FBI) was closed. We’d walked the few miles up the beach from Alnmouth looking forward to a pint or two and were disappointed to find it well and truly shut.
I was looking forward to visiting again when I heard that it had reopened. This time we approached by car on a drizzly 31 December.
The FBI has been recently refurbished so it is resplendent in new wood and looks smart if a little characterless. The room is L-shaped and the large patio doors in one end of the room open out onto a decked patio area that looks straight out onto the beach or the rolling sea depending on what the tide is doing.
There was a local ale choice which was good to see. I opted for the Farne Island Northumberland Gold which tasted fine. There is a no smoking area in which to enjoy the taste of your ale if that’s to your taste.
I spent a while gazing at the antique clock with Fishing Boat Inn inscribed on its face and admired the stained-glass Fishing Boat Inn divide between the smoking and non-smoking tables. There is a space devoted to people eating food although food can be enjoyed at any of the tables in the pub. The food is traditional pub grub. The chips were dark and exactly like my Gran used to make so I really enjoyed them. Other people I was with did not look on them as favourably.
Unfortunately and perhaps unusually for a pub in the location of the FBI (in a small village beside the beach), the pub operates a no dogs policy. Even stranger, this extends to the outdoor patio with sea views. My dog-owning friends and Buster were consigned to the tables in the car park when they last walked up to the FBI from Alnmouth. I think that this is a great shame and I can imagine that the pub loses the business of passing dog walkers.
A comment by Simon Roberts
February 22nd, 2007, 12.52pm
Yep, totally agree with Mikes comments. The pub certainly looks nice enough inside now and the beer is fine, but what a waste that dog walkers, who comprised a large proportion of the old clientele, are no longer welcome. Nor are hikers by the looks of the notices, which once again seems a shame given the location of the pub.
A comment by Mike-the pub operater
March 4th, 2007, 1.28pm
The dogs aren’t allowed in because the dogs dont drink and the landlord wont let dogs in the pub!!
A comment by Family Holiday- In Boulmer
March 4th, 2007, 6.27pm
Been in Boulmer on holiday for a week.Would highly recommed trying the food at The Fishing Boat Inn.A high variety of fresh veg/homemade chips-are a treat!Lots of fresh seafood on the menu.Very clean and fresh atmosphere and the best thing is that there are No Dogs allowed and resturant is Non-smoking.The landlord has a different outlook to life and strange sense of humour-(but dont let this put you off), he seems like a nice guy.
A comment by lynn doherty
October 27th, 2007, 8.04pm
perfect location but I would say not really child friendly. also heard landlord doesn`t allow dogs in and not too fond of hikers. was a bit puzzled when we ordered baguettes and was told it was neither white or brown bread…?
A comment by ruth watson
May 21st, 2008, 8.18pm
Superb food - def more of a place for dinner than a pub to pop into for a drink - bit formal?. Still a useful establishment when staying at our nearby caravan at seaton point!
We have been in with sandy, sea watery children and experienced no problems.
A comment by Karl Phillips
August 6th, 2008, 9.08am
My family and I moved overseas from Boulmer about three years ago and I have to admit that we miss our Sunday lunches and frequent drop-ins at the FBI!
This clean, friendly pub boasts not only fantastic food and ales, but also an excellent staff, which is headed-up by Managers, Margaret & Mike.
Never once did my children leave there without a lollipop or some other small gift and were always welcomed with (literally) open arms, so I can’t imagine where the ‘not really child-friendly’ comment stems from?
All in all, I can heartily reccommend the Fishing Boat Inn to any would be traveller, holiday maker and the like.
We only have around three weeks left until we return to the UK and, although we’ll be living in the Rutland Water area, the FBI will be at the top of my list of places to go whenever we manage to get back up North for a visit!
Try it - you’ll love it!
A comment by Alastair Olds
August 17th, 2008, 3.19pm
Visiting the FBI for the second time in two years a week ago, I saw both dogs and ramblers in the pub! Loads of ramblers. My friends, who live locally, and my son and I all enjoy the ambient atmosphere, the cooking at lunchtime, and the disabled access sans patronising. It’s a long way to come from Glasgow for a pint, but well worth it! Well done, M & M. The Zimmer King!
A comment by Michelle Mole
August 22nd, 2008, 1.17pm
Just moved to Longhoughton. Went to FBI last night. The food was lovely and the staff very welcoming. A little disappointed there was no children’s menu. My son was offered a child’s portion of scampi and chips or curry and chips (not really his taste - so ended up with a plate of chips and baguette, which he still enjoyed). This could so easily be rectified by perhaps offering chicken nuggets or fish fingers. I’m sure a lot of children would be happy with these choices.