Latest news with #LobsterShack
Perth Now
18-06-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
The votes are in: This is WA's BEST lobster restaurant
The votes are in, and Lobster Shack Cervantes has officially been crowned WA's Best Lobster Restaurant for 2025, taking top honours in Western Rock Lobster's annual public-voted competition. In a strong field of over 40 nominated venues across Western Australia, the Lobster Shack was a convincing winner from the almost 900 public votes - a standout result in a competition that has been led in recent years by The Cray Belmont, a consistent favourite with a strong following. While The Cray Belmont and The Cray Currambine placed second and third respectively this year, the Cervantes favourite took a well-earned place at the top of the podium. For General Manager Nikki Thompson, the win is a reflection of deep roots, community pride, and the shared experience of enjoying a world-class seafood resource. 'Lobster Shack all started from a love of fishing,' Nikki said. 'It's a way of life that's been passed down through our family since the 1960s, back at the old shacks in Green Island/Grey. We wanted to share our passion for lobster and fresh seafood with everyone, somewhere relaxed, welcoming, and family-friendly - where anyone can come and taste some of WA's best seafood, straight from the ocean.' Since opening in 2010, the Shack has grown from humble beginnings into a must-visit destination, now serving around 65,000 lobsters each year. Its location in Cervantes, one of WA's iconic coastal towns, underscores how vital the lobster fishery is in underpinning local economies and livelihoods. 'The ocean shaped who we are,' Nikki continued. 'We've brought fishing, processing, tourism and hospitality together under one roof to deliver the full pot-to-plate lobster experience. It's about creating jobs, supporting other local businesses, and putting Cervantes on the map.' The Western Rock Lobster fishery, which is recognised globally as a leader in sustainability and aquatic resource management, plays a vital role in ensuring that this premium product remains accessible and available to the local community, not just export markets. Restaurants like Lobster Shack serve as a direct link between the fishery and the public, sharing the resource in a way that is both engaging and inclusive. 'Lobster Shack isn't just family run - it's community run,' Nikki added. 'We're raising our kids here. We're part of the footy club, the schoolyard. Our team are locals, and our customers often become part of the story. We couldn't do it without them.' This year's win is a celebration not just of a restaurant, but of the wider community, fishery, and coastline it represents. Lobster Shack's success is a reminder that when you combine passion, place, and purpose—you serve up more than just a great meal. You serve a connection to something bigger. Four lucky winners from the public who voted in this year's competition will receive a $150 voucher to their nominated restaurant plus a $100 voucher for Back of Boat sales, to be used for this year's peak Christmas period. Winners will be published this Friday on the website and mentioned on the Back of Boat Lobsters Facebook page.
The Star
08-06-2025
- The Star
Discover the Australian adventure of a lifetime
PERTH, the sun-soaked capital of Western Australia (WA), blends natural beauty with urban charm like no other city. Framed by the sparkling Swan River/ Derbarl Yerrigan and the Indian Ocean, it's a place where you can sip coffee in a trendy laneway cafe, then hit the beach or a scenic hiking trail – all in the same afternoon. With more sunny days than any other Australian capital, Perth/ Boorloo offers a laid-back vibe, vibrant arts scene, and access to breathtaking sites like Rottnest Island/ Wadjemup and the Pinnacles. Apple Vacations invites travellers to embark on an unforgettable journey with two immersive, thrill-filled itineraries designed to uncover the many wonders of Perth. Bounty of beauty Apple Vacation's 7D5N Perth and Pink Lake Adventure is a great way to explore Western Australia's multi-faceted offerings. This seven-day escape begins with a road trip up the vibrant Indian Ocean Drive to Nambung National Park, home of the dramatic Pinnacles Desert. Thousands of limestone spires rise like ancient monuments from golden sands – an otherworldly sight that will leave you breathless. At the Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre, you'll learn the rich geological and cultural stories behind this mysterious landscape. The Pinnacles limestone formations took shape around 25,000 to 30,000 years ago, after the ocean retreated and left behind layers of seashell deposits. Your journey then leads to Lobster Shack, where you'll witness live lobsters being packed for global export – and enjoy one on your plate, fresh and perfectly prepared. Further north, the coastal town of Geraldton/ Jambinu welcomes you with its stunning waterfront, the poignant HMAS Sydney II Memorial, and the wind-sculpted Leaning Trees that have become icons in their own right. From Geraldton, opt for a scenic flight over Hutt Lagoon, better known as Pink Lake. This surreal body of water, tinted bubblegum pink by algae, contrasts beautifully with the deep blue of the nearby Indian Ocean. Pink Lake, Hutt Lagoon's vibrant colors are caused by the presence of carotenoid-producing algae, creating a surreal and naturally colorful landscape. In Kalbarri National Park/ Wurdimarlu, marvel at Nature's Window, a naturally formed rock arch, to enjoy sweeping views from the coastal cliffs before heading back toward the city. Experience unforgettable encounters with Australia's iconic wildlife at Caversham Wildlife Park Back in Perth, meet kangaroos, koalas, and wombats at Caversham Wildlife Park, then spend an afternoon exploring Fremantle/ Walyalup, a port city rich with maritime history and bustling with local life. The Fremantle Markets (open weekends) are a treasure trove of quirky crafts, street eats, and artisan finds. Into the wild The shorter 6D4N Perth and The Coastal Gems package is an equally memorable tour. Begin your adventure in the South West with a visit to Mammoth Cave, a fascinating underground world where fossils of prehistoric megafauna lie preserved in stone. A walk through nearby Marri Forest reveals towering trees and seasonal wildflowers – a peaceful contrast to the lively city vibe. Apple Vacation's 6D4N Perth and The Coastal Gems tour also explore the heart of Perth city to marvel at its many iconic structures. At Busselton Jetty/ Undalup, the longest timber-piled jetty in the southern hemisphere, take a ride on a solar-powered train and dive into the Underwater Observatory, where you'll witness an aquatic wonderland beneath the waves of Geographe Bay. No Perth visit is complete without a trip to Rottnest Island, where white-sand beaches meet native wildlife. Here, you'll meet the ever-smiling quokkas, dubbed the happiest animals on Earth, and discover the island's rich Aboriginal history and natural charm. Get up close to the adorable, smiley quokkas in Rottnest Island. The cherry on top? A day in Mandurah/ Mandjoogoordap, the 'Little Venice' of WA. Pose with giant wooden sculptures hidden around town, then board the exclusive Mandurah Wild Seafood Cruise. This is a one-of-a-kind culinary experience where you'll help haul up Western Rock Lobsters before indulging in an eight-course seafood feast with free-flowing drinks. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and pelicans as you cruise along the glistening coast. Try your hand at catching lunch – Western Rock Lobster – native to Western Australian waters on board the Mandurah Wild Seafood Cruise. Ready to say G'Day to WA? Apple Vacations is turning travel dreams into reality with full tour packages that include return flight tickets from KLIA/KLIA2 and seamless ground arrangements – making your 2025 Perth adventure completely hassle-free. Choose the 7D5N Perth and Pink Lake package, with flights departing on July 15, Aug 28, Sept 13, Oct 22, Nov 21, and Dec 16, starting from RM11,999. Departure dates for the 6D4N Perth and The Coastal Gems tour are available on July 15, Aug 2, Sept 16, and Oct 16, starting from just RM8,999. To find out more, visit
West Australian
26-05-2025
- Business
- West Australian
Mid West food on show through Plating Up WA initiative to highlight WA produce
Two Mid West restaurants have been included in a Statewide campaign promoting WA's best produce, showcasing signature dishes throughout June. Plating Up WA, a State Government initiative through its Buy West Eat Best program, will see 45 venues across the State create speciality dishes highlighting local produce. The Jaffle Shack in Geraldton and Lobster Shack in Cervantes have been included in the program, with local seafood and local vegetables taking centre stage. Buy West Eat Best program manager Melissa Worthington said organisers were proud to bring back the event for a seventh year. 'Since launching in 2018, this campaign has showcased more than 300 venues, and it continues to grow each year,' she said. 'I'm especially excited to see new venues joining us for the very first time this year. 'Many of the ingredients featured are selected directly from our Buy West Eat Best ingredient register — it's a true celebration of our local producers and the creative chefs who bring their stories to life on the plate.' At The Jaffle Shack, the signature dish is a garlic mushroom jaffle which, according to Plating Up WA, uses WA mushrooms and Geraldton basil. Meanwhile, Lobster Shack champions local western rock lobster, served in garlic butter. Foodies are encouraged to visit the Plating Up WA website to learn more.
The Herald Scotland
06-05-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
How chefs can use TikTok and Instagram to their advantage
It's such a valuable tool for marketing and spotting food trends. You used to have to use magazines or adverts for that, but now there's a vast range of platforms from TikTok to Instagram and Facebook providing new avenues for getting word of your business out there. We have marketing teams in our group who help to develop ideas for content, but because my name is front and centre throughout the overall brand, it's really important for me to use that opportunity to show people who I am. It's an independent family business, so I love getting my son, Francisco, or nieces and nephews involved where I can. It's also great to take people along on foraging trips so that they can see the quality of the produce we're using in our kitchens. Aside from that, I personally really enjoy using social media and find that I learn from it. I follow many different chefs and find new techniques online rather than turning to cookery books. It's a great tool for self-development. It also means that sometimes I'll spot a trend which we can replicate within our business. A great example of that is food trucks. In recent years, with businesses like SpudBros running live streams while they're working, people have become a lot more interested in that kind of cooking and what goes on behind the scenes. That's how the idea to open the Lobster Shack at our Dune restaurant in St Andrews came about last June. We realised that people were interested in these cool wee pop-up places, or might not want to spend the money on coming in for a sit-down meal, so we started selling lobster rolls to go. This meant that they could try some of our fantastic, fresh seafood in a much more affordable and relaxed way. Read more: But it is hard to predict what the next big trend will. They always seem to come out of nowhere. Just look at how popular tinned fish has become these days because of people rating different types or comparing packaging on social media. As a chef, I'm really happy to see that happening because these wee tins are such a great ingredient to cook with. Everyone knows about tinned tuna, or maybe they've had a bad experience with a tin of mackerel, but there's such a lot of variety out there. My favourite is tinned mussels in smoked paprika. It's absolutely to die for. And, with the summer season coming up, a tin of sardines is a great thing to have handy for chucking in your picnic basket. Here's hoping the next trend will be fresh lobster rolls for the summer! You can keep up with Dean Banks on Instagram at @chefdeanbanks
The Herald Scotland
04-05-2025
- The Herald Scotland
Five best Scottish walks with spectacular views and seafood shacks
Oban, Argyll Beinn Lora is a brilliant spot for a mini adventure. There are a choice of trails: the Coastal Climb ascending the steep, craggy hillside above Benderloch proffers views across Tralee Bay and the Lynn of Lorn, while the Eagle's Eyrie yields incredible vistas over Ardmucknish Bay. Perhaps, though, you are in the mood for some island-hopping? Work up an appetite by jumping on a ferry from Oban for the short jaunt to Kerrera. There is a picturesque circuit around the southern part of the island that takes in the crumbling ruins of Gylen Castle. Afterwards head to Oban Seafood Hut, aka the Green Shack, where a tall blackboard, updated daily, lists staples and seasonal specials: hot smoked salmon sandwiches, langoustines and king scallops with garlic butter, squid in sweet chilli and glorious sharing platters. North Berwick, East Lothian If you fancy getting some elevation into the legs, the conical-shaped hill of North Berwick Law – a 'crag-and-tail' glacial landform sculpted during the last ice age – sits at 613ft (187m). From the top, on a clear day, you will be rewarded with panoramas of the Firth of Forth and the bird haven of the Bass Rock, as well as the Edinburgh skyline and Arthur's Seat, the Pentlands, Fife and the Lammermuir Hills. The summit bears the remains of an Iron Age hill fort, alongside erstwhile military observation posts with links to both the Napoleonic Wars and Second World War. There are lovely walks too around North Berwick's beaches and harbour. The latter is home to the Lobster Shack where the mouth-watering menu features the likes of seafood chowder, Cajun prawn flatbread and haddock tacos, with signature dishes including grilled North Berwick lobster and Douglas Flannigan's dressed crab. Carbost, Skye The Cuillin mountain range with croft farm, sheep and Loch Harport (Image: Getty Images) Tuck into freshly shucked oysters with views over Loch Harport and the unmistakable, rugged terrain of the Cuillins. The Oyster Shed, just up the hill from the village of Carbost, is a farm shop/kitchen selling a delectable cornucopia of seafood, from smoked salmon, mussels, crab and scallops to the yummy delights of a half lobster with chips. Which brings us to our next order of business: your pre-or-post feast daunder. The area around the Carbost Waterfront is ideal for a gentle meander, watching the comings and goings at the pier and pontoons. Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire Housed in a converted horsebox, the Seafood Bothy in Stonehaven always seems to come up with some of the most imaginative specials: lobster quiche, mussels in a katsu curry sauce and a warm crumpet with crab. The mackerel pate with crackers is the best £5 you'll spend all year. There are some superb coastal walking routes in and around Stonehaven, but it is well-worth spreading your wings slightly further to explore Dunnottar Woods on the south side of the town. The red waymarked trail, which covers roughly 2 miles (3.4 km) through deciduous woodland, is an excellent way to learn more about the fascinating history behind an intriguingly named bunch of local landmarks, including Shell House, Lady Kennedy's Bath and Gallow's Hill. Applecross, Wester Ross Applecross (Image: unknown) It is always worth stating that Applecross is not a single village, but rather a sizeable peninsula comprising more than 20 crofting townships. In this instance, I'm referring to the stretch around Applecross Bay, a horseshoe-shaped sandy inlet, with a cluster of fantastic places to eat, sleep and shop nearby. There are plenty of gorgeous paths to check out in the vicinity too, such as the Smiddy Walk, Carnach Woodland Trail and Keppoch Track, each throwing up a clutch of charming surprises. The Applecross Inn-Side Out is a retro-style takeaway food truck rustling up fish and chips, prawn and crab salads, as well as must-try locally made sausage rolls. Dine al fresco with magnificent views across the Inner Sound towards Raasay and Skye. Susan Swarbrick is a columnist and freelance writer who loves history and the outdoors. Follow her on X @SusanSwarbrick and Bluesky @
