About North Shields

North Shields is set on the north bank of the River Tyne with  its name derived from the ‘sheilings’ or ‘shiels’ - the traditional fisherman’s huts once covering the banks of the Tyne.The Fish Quay area, formerly known as Low Lights, was the origin of today’s North Shields. 

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The town was founded on the historic Fish Quay, the origins of which date back hundreds of years and it is still a bustling working fish quay today. The Fish Quay has undergone a vast regeneration programme which is still  ongoing today through both public and private investments, which has resulted in  the area becoming a more popular place to live, work and chill at. Clifford’s Fort is an Ancient Scheduled Monument that was historically built as a coastal defence in the 17th Century against the Dutch. The Fish Quay is a great location & venue to enjoy amazing local food & drink at  one the many eateries set upon the quay or to have a take away & sit in one of the outside seating areas.

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A statue of comedy legend Stan Laurel can be seen in Dockwray Square, overlooking the Fish Quay. Laurel spent some of his early years living in North Shields when he moved here as his father was a local theatre manager.

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The town of North Shields has gone through an expansive period of regeneration, notably the Royal Quays destination that has been regenerated with new housing, a retail outlet shopping village centre, marina, hotel and a range of local  attractions.

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The quay today, beautifully balances the working fishing industry with the popular bars & restaurants, creating an eclectic mix of small businesses and an ever increasing number of local residents, which all makes the area the perfect place for a day out. The  fresh fish and chips, local lobster & shellfish are some of the finest in the UK. 

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For those that enjoy cooking from scratch the array of wet fish shops and processors, is truly inspirational & a pleasure to visit. With the UK fishing industry as a whole declining the North Shields Fish Quay is now entitled to  be the largest prawn port in England.

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Cafes, Bars & Restaurants (all the links below are 'live' hyperlinks ...just click on the link & it will take you to the website) 

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Staith House Award Winning Gastro Pub 

The Quay Taphouse 

Dodgins Yard 

Cassia Sambucas 

Sambuca 1 

The Waterfront

Low Lights Tavern 

Lobo Rojo 

How do you do

Twelve Twenty Five

31 The Quay 

The Wheelhouse

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