The Fat Mermaid - Amble

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This bistro in Amble is cosy with a real Autumnal vibe. We visited on a crisp October evening, were welcomed as soon as we arrived and shown to our table. We were advised of the specials board before ordering our drinks and being left to peruse the menu. 

I love seafood and when you're in a harbour town like Amble, I think it is a must. I went for a starter from the specials board which was Seared Scallops with Bourdin Noir and Celeriac Puree. They are very generous with the Scallops as I had four fairly big scallops which were perfectly cooked. 

If you've never had Bourdin Noir it's like black pudding turned up to 11! It is crazily rich and luxurious. The celeriac puree gave a subtle little sweetness which was perfect with the rest of the dish. This was probably the best starter I have had a in a long time. 

Sam had the Twice baked Soufflé with Northumbrian Cheese and Chives. The soufflé was very light but there was a definite cheese flavour. Sam loved this and was really impressed with it. 

Onto the mains. If I see there is a dish with clams on the menu I'm always going to order it, so I went for the Fillet of Sea Bream with Clams, Samphire and Chicken Jus. 

The Sea Bream is Pan fried and when the dish came I could already smell that roasted fish smell that is so delicious. The Skin was so nice and crispy, the clams have that taste of the sea that all seafood lovers enjoy and the broth the clams are cooked it just gives the best seafood flavour. The dishes here really do pack the flavours in. 

Sam went for the Pumpkin Tortellini with Sage Oil and Garlic Cream. Sam has said this was the best pasta dish she has had in ages and I believe her as she is still going on about how good it is now.

The Pumpkin filling was deliciously sweet and each totellini had an ample portion of the filling which is always great. Sam loved it so much that I'm going to try and recreate this dish at home (wish me luck). 

We were debating whether to get a dessert or not as we were getting quite full but in the end as everything else was so good we just couldn't resist. My favourite dessert is Créme Brulée so I was very happy to see this on the menu. 

What I really liked was there was a lot of Brulée (that's what the crispy bit on top is called right?) so when I cracked it with my spoon there was a great crack. It was served with an all-butter Shortbread which was perfect for dipping into the Créme.

  

Sam had a bit of a dilemma as there was Chocolate Fondant and Kinder Bueno Cheesecake but the Chocolate Fondant won in the end. 

Our waitress explained this is cooked to order and there would be a wait of around 12 minutes but it was well worth the wait. The cake is delicious and the gooey centre was very unctious. 

The presentation, as with all of our dishes was just beautiful. 

We were so impressed with The Fat Mermaid and it was hard to choose a favourite course. There were a few other dishes on the menu I wanted to try so I hope we get the chance to go back again soon. 

The service was fantastic, the food some of the best we've had in ages and the surroundings felt smart and as if you were somewhere special. I'd definitely recommend as a date night destination but they do also welcome kids and have a children's menu too. 

Find out more, view menus and book here: https://thefatmermaidamble.co.uk/