The Lobster Pot: Anglesey’s Best Seafood Restaurant?

The Lobster Pot is one of the most renowned seafood restaurants in Anglesey, North Wales, and regularly pops up in national recommendations from leading publications. Set in the picturesque Church Bay, this small but incredibly popular restaurant has welcomed diners from far and wide for over 75 years.

So what makes this restaurant so special? And why is it considered by so many to be the best place to eat seafood in Angelsey and beyond?

The Lobster Pot: A Brief History

The first version of The Lobster Pot restaurant we know and love today was established all the way back in 1946, when husband and wife team John and Frieda Wilson transformed their quaint cottage, Glan-Yr-Afon, into a cafe serving lobster teas. When John reached retirement age in 1960, it was then run for the family by Gwyn Davies until John’s daughter Lindy Wood took over in the late 80s.

Following Lindy’s retirement in 2004, another husband and wife team, Wendy and Steffan Coupe, took over the restaurant after working there for 20 odd years. Until recently, Wendy and Steffan were still at the helm of The Lobster Pot. However, unfortunately, ill health forced Steffan to step down, and a search for a new set of custodians was launched in 2021.

Wendy and Steffan didn’t have to look far, handing over the reins to the brother and sister team, Adam and Ceri Griffiths. Adam has worked closely with Steff for several years and is a close family friend, so in many ways, he, along with his sister, were natural replacements.

Today, many of the traditional dishes such as lobster, crab, and oysters served by the Wilson family all those years ago remain firm favourites on the menu.

What Makes The Lobster Pot So Special?

There are several reasons to pay a visit to what many consider the best seafood restaurant in all of Wales.

Firstly, it’s in a beautiful spot with far-reaching views of luscious green fields and the deep blue Irish sea. However, the primary reason to visit The Lobster Pot is undoubtedly the food. Here you get to enjoy some of the freshest shellfish in the country.

The reason The Lobster Pot is able to source everything so fresh is that they have an adjacent shellfish merchant business, which is run by Lindy’s son Tristan. Blue lobsters and brown crab are brought in from the boats, and within hours, they are out of the holding tanks kept next door to the restaurant and into the kitchen. It doesn’t get any fresher than that!

The mussels are supplied by Graham (also Lindy’s son) straight from his mussel boat, The Mare Gratia. The Lobster Pot serves up several seasonal fish dishes supplied by local fishermen, too, including pollock, sea trout, cod, bass, mackerel, turbot, and plaice.

In short, if you love your seafood, this is a place where you can enjoy some of the best there is.

What’s On the Menu at The Lobster Pot?

As you might have guessed, lobster takes top billing on the menu, with dishes such as Lobster Thermidor and Lobster Mornay (lobster pieces in a Welsh cheddar cheese sauce with chips) establishing themselves as firm favourites with locals and summer visitors alike. There’s also dressed crab, mussels, fish catch of the day, and a specials board updated on a daily basis.

If you’re part of a seafood-loving group but not a fan yourself, there are plenty of meat dishes sourced from the local butcher, including pan-seared duck and locally-reared Welsh sirloin steak. There is also an extensive wine list, cocktails, mocktails, soft drinks, and a children’s menu. Lastly, you can polish off your delicious meal with desserts such as chocolate fudge cake, cheesecake of the day, or locally- sourced luxury ice cream.

Do You Need to Book a Reservation at The Lobster Pot?

In short, yes. This establishment is probably the most popular restaurant on the island of Anglesey in relation to capacity. The relatively small dining room means that securing a table is tricky even outside of the summer visiting season. The addition of a decked and covered outdoor seating area has indeed improved things, but it doesn’t help during the cold and wet autumn or winter months!

It’s also a good idea to call in advance of your arrival because opening hours vary quite a bit throughout the year, and you don’t want to turn up only to find it’s closed earlier than advertised due to attracting only a small number of diners on the day of your planned visit.

That said, thanks to its reputation, rarely is this the case, and you’ll likely have a hard time securing a table at short notice due to the sheer popularity of this place. If you’re arriving to Anglesey for a short stay or holiday, why not ring up in advance to book your table? That way, your spot is guaranteed, and your travelling party already has something booked on the itinerary to look forward to.

You can make a reservation by calling the team on 01407 730241 or via their Facebook page.

Getting to The Lobster Pot

The Lobster Pot is located in Church Bay, roughly 10 miles up the coast from Holyhead. To get to the restaurant by car:

Take junction 3 off the A55 Expressway, and take the A5 into Valley.

Turn right at the traffic lights (crossroads) and head North on the A5025.

Bear left just after passing the Celtic Spirit Company onto Chapel Street (if you pass the Luxury Dog Kennels, you’ve gone too far).

Follow Chapel Street as it winds through the village of Rhydwyn.

Remain on the same road as it meanders through the countryside until you reach the car park of the Church Bay Inn.

Follow the road as it bends round to the left and starts descending into Church Bay.

Turn right after around 400 yards. You’ll see signposts for the disabled toilet and Church Bay Beach.

Arrive at the car park on your left-hand side and pay for your parking. The Lobster Pot is located directly opposite.

The Lobster Pot FAQs

If this post has got you in the mood for restaurant dining, why not check out our recommendations for restaurants in Menai Bridge and Cemaes Bay below?