Latimer’s Seafood

The story

Latimer’s Seafood in Sunderland: A Coastal Fishmonger and Takeaway

From Creel to Counter

Latimer’s Seafood operates from a coastal shop in Whitburn, Sunderland, where founder Robert Latimer swapped his fishing creels for a family garage in 2002. He now oversees a dedicated team that sources local shellfish and line-caught white fish directly from regional boats. This commitment to traceable catches earned the spot a Local Gem designation in The Good Food Guide, recognizing the steady supply of premium seafood delivered daily.

The Hatch and the Menu

The original café transformed into The Hatch Takeaway, where customers collect freshly prepared seafood picnic boxes featuring dressed crab and whole lobster. A specialized afternoon tea arrives with crab sandwiches, prawn selections, and roast smoked salmon that rests in a secret brine before thirty-six hours of slow smoking. The main deli continues to display Lindisfarne oysters, king scallops, and pan-fried haddock alongside ready-to-eat pasties and sharing platters. Every preparation follows a straightforward method that preserves the natural texture of the catch.

Beachside Dining Space

The casual layout encourages visitors to enjoy their seafood outdoors at tables positioned near Cornthwaite Park. An enclosed room opened in November 2022 offers additional capacity during rough weather without blocking the coastal outlook. Cyclists navigating the C2C route and walkers following Bede’s Way frequently stop for coffee and homemade lemonade before continuing toward Souter Lighthouse. Dolphin breaches happen often enough that diners routinely set down their forks to watch the animals pass by.