SOUTH QUEENSFERRY, SCOTLAND – The Crab & Lobster Fish Shack has officially been named a finalist in the highly competitive ‘Best New Business’ category at the upcoming Scottish Licensed Trade News (SLTN) Awards.
The prestigious SLTN Awards are widely regarded as the benchmark of excellence within the Scottish hospitality sector, designed specifically to recognise and reward the country’s top performing venues, operators, and newcomers.
This major industry recognition marks the latest in a remarkable series of shortlistings for the family-run South Queensferry fish and chip restaurant, which has taken the local and national dining scene by storm since opening its doors at Ferrymuir Retail Park.
Operated by the Coghill family—Bryan Coghill alongside his wife Michelle, head chef son Jack, and daughter-in-law Sarah—the 180-seater relaxed, Hamptons-themed venue has quickly established a reputation for serving world-class, sustainably sourced Scottish seafood and premium fish teas.
Reflecting on the latest nomination, owner Bryan Coghill said:
“We are absolutely thrilled to be named a finalist for Best New Business at the SLTN Awards. The SLTN accolades are the gold standard for Scottish hospitality, so to be recognised by the industry in this way after our first year of trading is an incredible honour. It is a testament to the hard work, passion, and dedication of our entire team, who strive every day to deliver an unforgettable dining experience for our guests.”
“As has been well documented, it’s still a very difficult time for new hospitality businesses, with rising costs and continuing staff shortages. The pressure is unrelenting, but you just have to find a way of pushing through and remaining optimistic,” he said.
Bryan went on to discuss the very latest cost saving and sustainable frying equipment the restaurant had purchased prior to its opening: “This has been a gamechanger, reducing our operating costs down the line, as has buying our fish and seafood straight from the boats, fish mongering fish inhouse to save waste. We operate a waste free kitchen and are constantly striving for other ways to reduce our carbon footprint.”
He finished by saying: “These are some of the facts they judges will take into consideration when judging the Best New Business category. We really welcome their feedback and insight.”
The SLTN nomination builds on an incredibly successful awards season for the restaurant since its launch in June 2025. The Crab & Lobster Fish Shack’s impressive momentum includes being named Runner Up in the Best Newcomer at the National Fish & Chip Awards in London earlier this year, run by the NFFF, alongside being the current Forth One Restaurant of the Year.
The restaurant is also a finalist in the Scottish Restaurant Awards Best Fish & Chip category, which will be decided on October 12th at The Hilton in Glasgow City Centre.
The Coghill family also previously secured the SLTN Award for Best Restaurant (Casual Dining) for their sister venue, Jack ’O’ Bryan’s in Dunfermline.
With its open-plan galley style kitchen, vibrant nautical decor, and deep-rooted commitment to the local community, The Crab & Lobster Fish Shack continues to solidify its position as one of Scotland’s premier seafood destinations.
The 2026 SLTN Awards Dinner will be held on 5th November.
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