Business News
Veterinary Practice of the year award for Coquet Vets
Congratulations to Coquet Vets who have been awarded Veterinary Practice of the Year in the My Local Awards 2026. A spokesperson said “We are very grateful to everyone who voted and feel very honoured to have won this award.
“We aim to provide high quality, friendly, and supportive veterinary care for you and your pets at affordable prices. Being a small and experienced team allows us to provide continuity of care, and we can also invest more time in getting to know our patients and clients.”
The spokesperson added, “We will be hosting this years dog show at the Warkworth Show on Saturday 22 August and we hope to see all our amazing clients and their pets.”
Haunted museum opens
Step inside one of Northumberland’s most unusual attractions and explore a collection of haunted artefacts, local legends and eerie history.
The museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the haunted history, folklore and paranormal stories of Northumberland and the North East.
During the first two weeks they had 850 visitors. I met Founder and Director Michele Marie Liddle and Sarah East, a trustee (pictured, right).
Each day, when they enter the museum they say, ‘Good morning spirits.’ When they turn the lights on they say, ‘It’s only me.’ and when they close for the day, ‘Goodnight spirits.’
📷 Michele Marie Liddle and Sarah East
Entry is free. Helen explained that they were able to do this with income from experiences and events hosted by the museum and donations.
Visitors can see the Witchcraft Occult Room, Victorian Scrying Room, Victorian Dolls Room and a Seance Room. There is a library and gift shop.
Michele explained that her grandmothers, on both sides of her family, were witches and tea leaf readers.
During my time speaking with Michele and Sarah there were 13 visitors including two children.
Michele said ‘ “Even if you are skeptical please come in and enjoy the space in your own time. We are here for the Amble community and the acceptance of everyone.”
The museum on Queen Street is open 10 to 4 each day apart from Wednesdays.
Ray Wilcox
Cafe to transform into bistro
Owners of Gracy’s Coffee Lounge & Eatery have taken the plunge to open a new and exciting eatery in Amble.
Owner Thomas McBrearty said “We are currently transforming the space into Lotus and Lemongrass Kitchen, a relaxed bistro focused entirely on delivering simple, hearty, and authentic Thai and Vietnamese comfort food.
The inspiration for this shift actually came from our customers. For a long time, we’ve been offering a Thai special every Wednesday (and the occasional Thursday) at Gracy’s. It became an enormous hit, consistently selling out within hours to both our wonderful local regulars and visiting holidaymakers.
Seeing that incredible demand made us realise that Amble was ready for a dedicated South East Asian dining experience.
Lotus and Lemongrass Kitchen will offer a unique set-menu experience that will change seasonally, focusing on vibrant flavours and beautifully prepared dishes crafted by our incredibly talented new Chef.
We are now beginning the physical transformation of the shop, and we believe our transition from a beloved local café to an exciting new dinner spot is a positive story of growth and investment in Amble’s Queen Street.
We look forward to welcoming old and new customers.
True life story: Violins and Spoons
This is a true story about three mothers who all experienced sadness in different ways. One who could not have children, another who gave up her child at birth and the other whose eldest child was afflicted with cancer.
The search for a birth mother in a foreign country highlights mixed emotions of sadness, anger, laughter and love.
Catherine Atkinson is a local author. Violins and Spoons is available from Bridge Street Books, Amble.
Love fashions? Love Lydia
Ladies clothes shop Love Lydia was in business for quite some time before owner Erin Handyside decided to open the premises on Queen Street.
Erin told The Ambler, “We’ve been online since 2023, but it’s hard to compete. Plus I much prefer to go into shops myself, so that’s why I decided to open my own.
“It’s actually transformed our business, so I needed more help – my Mam’s been roped in to help!”
Love Lydia is open seven days a week, selling ladies fashions, accessories and bags. They currently stock items in a range of sizes, from size 6 to size 24.
Find them also online: https://www.love-lydia.co.uk/ and on Facebook
New owners for popular pub
Amble’s Harbour Inn, which has a 150 year history in the town, is now part of Punch’s Leased and Tenanted estate, with the existing team continuing on their journey.
Punch Pubs & Co Head of Acquisitions Andrew Cannons commented: “We’re incredibly excited by this acquisition and grateful to Charlie and the team for the smooth transition. This is a fantastic pub that has an excellent reputation, which, supported by Punch’s leading industry training and investment, will continue to thrive for many years to come.”
The popular pub, renowned among locals and tourists, is beloved for its focus on seafood. Being within walking distance of Amble Harbour means that guests are spoilt for choice with fresh supply from independent fishermen, alongside their seasonal menus that are available all year round.
