The Crab & Lobster Fish Shack in South Queensferry is the latest offering from the Coghill family, who already operate the popular Jack ‘O’ Bryan’s Bar & Kitchen in Dunfermline.
The new restaurant replaces the former Frankie & Benny’s beside the Dakota Hotel and represents an investment of over £350,000 from the family – an ambitious project blending passion, experience, and a love of seafood.
The restaurant has been brought to life by Bryan Coghill, who has worked in the hospitality industry for over 40 years, alongside his son and Head Chef Jack, wife Michelle, and daughter-in-law Sarah.
As well as serving high-end fish and chips, the vibrant new eatery celebrates a wide variety of fish, crab, lobster and other seafood native to Scotland’s coast, all presented in a relaxed, family-friendly dining environment.
“My very first ever restaurant was a fish and chip restaurant, so I feel I’ve come full circle in my career,” said Bryan Coghill. “It’s absolutely fantastic to have delivered another family restaurant that we can be proud of, and where my son Jack, together with other family members, can flourish and shine.”
He continues, “We’ve been open nearly a month now – it’s been brilliant, and we’ve been really busy. We’re glad to say we’ve been wholeheartedly embraced by the local community in South Queensferry, with many of our customers from Jack ‘O’ Bryan’s in Dunfermline, coming over the bridge to eat with us as well. We are all really proud of the look and feel of The Crab & Lobster Fish Shack.”
Outside, the restaurant makes a strong first impression. A symmetrical façade with a central entrance and flanking windows is finished in navy blue timber cladding, giving the building a bold, contemporary maritime look. Outdoor picnic benches and branded planters tie in with the prominent signage above the door, creating a cohesive and welcoming entrance. Inside, the space embraces a colour palette of blues and crisp whites, offset with warm timber accents.
The vibe is laid-back and cool, evoking a Hamptons-inspired nautical style that feels both modern and timeless. The layout features a mix of open seating and cozy nooks, with timber used throughout – on the floors, the booths, and in other architectural details to provide a grounded, earthy balance to the brighter design elements.
Blue carpeting is used in selected areas to further brighten the interior as well as whitewashed timber walls, one of which proudly displays a mural of The Crab & Lobster Fish Shack logo. White plantation-style shutters act as subtle spatial dividers and add to the seaside-cottage feel with the crisp white finish offering a striking contrast against the deeper blues throughout the space.
The booths are upholstered in two-tone blue and turquoise fabrics that echo the colours of the sea, adding depth and visual texture. These are paired with plush dining chairs in bold blue and orange hues, injecting playful vibrancy into the room. Tables are finished in natural wood, enhancing the rustic-modern fusion.
Statement lighting plays a major role in the design. Rope-wrapped chandeliers with warm Edison bulbs and nautical wall sconces are strategically placed to cast a warm, inviting glow. The fixtures, crafted from thick rope knotted and looped to resemble maritime rigging, are more than just décor as they truly reflect the restaurant’s identity.
A standout architectural feature is the brick-arched open kitchen at the heart of the restaurant, which invites diners into the culinary journey. Dark blue glazed tiles give the kitchen a pop of colour against the stainless steel. Overhead, in bold neon lettering, the restaurant’s cheeky slogan lights up the room – “Ye Cannae Beat a Crab & Fish Shack Fish Supper!” It’s a lively focal point and a distinctly Scottish flourish that reinforces the brand’s charm and character.
Branding has been carefully considered throughout the venue – from the blue menus embossed in gold, to the fish and chip boxes proudly displaying the new slogan. Every element ties back to the restaurant’s identity, creating a consistent and memorable impression.
The bar area to the left is also a design highlight. The bar front features a dramatic combination of deep blue marbled material panels and vertical slatted details, framed by sleek natural wood.
The effect evokes the movement of water, subtly nodding to the sea. Behind the bar, illuminated shelving and matte finishes give the space a modern, high-end aesthetic, while keeping functionality front and centre.
The restaurant is a stunning blend of modern coastal decor and maritime inspired design which evokes a sense of local heritage, seaside dining and modern sophistication. I’m sure the residents of South Queensferry and further afield will be delighted with the new addition to the area as it is true, you really ‘Cannae beat a fish supper’!
