Special seafood

Reporter IT’S one of the region’s most famous venues and South Shields’ Marsden Grotto has now had a revamp and opened its doors.

Situated on the coast road at Marsden, The Grotto is a unique venue with significant historical interest dating back to the 17th Century.

One of only two cave bars in Europe, it was originally used as a smugglers’ den and latterly as a public house and restaurant.

The place is steeped in history and urban legend where the staff are more than happy to tell you a few tales of the past.

Just last Easter, Marsden Grotto BAR open 10am -10pm, serving a range of hot, soft and alcoholic beverages. Day dining from 12-6pm rather surprisingly played host to massive clubbing event Kingdom with revellers, including Geordie Shore stars, enjoying a 14-hour party from 2pm right through to 4am.

But fast forward a year and it’s all change once again.

Launching their new evening menu on Wednesday to compliment their day dining menu, diners can enjoy the cave experience or look out from the lounge/bar dining out to Marsden Rock and watch the wildlife and the waves crashing on the beach.

Dishes on the daytime menu include posh fish finger sandwiches, Lindisfarne oysters with lemon wedges, half a lobster and twice cooked chips, flatbread seafood wrap and a Seaside sandwich.

Evening customers will have their tastebuds tickled by starters including Marsden garlic mussels and From “The Cave” wild mushrooms on toasted sourdough; mains such as seabream fillets resting on sautéed new potatoes, crab tagliatelle, “Jack the Blasters Surf and Turf” and battered cod and twice cooked chips.