Generations of Experience
THE LOBSTER SHOP, FORE STREET, JOHNSHAVEN
For over 75 years, our family has supplied fresh Scottish seafood to UK and European wholesalers, food retailers and restaurants. Located in Johnshaven on the north-east coast, we are right in the very heart of the nation’s shellfish industry – supplied daily with the finest of catches straight from the fleet of local creel boats.
The Family Business
We’ve always welcomed visitors to our premises at the harbourside. The activities in the Lobster Shed have fascinated many an interested passer-by and we’re always delighted to show the variety of shellfish the coastline offers us and how carefully we source and manage the produce.
We thought, wouldn’t it be great if folks could take some away to enjoy at home?
So, in January 2020 we established The Lobster Shop! Now everyone can taste the exquisite flavour of Johnshaven Lobster or Crab.
Experience our dressed lobster, split and picked ready for popping under the grill. Try our delicate white and rich brown crab meat, ready to eat or add to your favourite dish.
And there’s much more too including a range of fresh seafood rolls, tubs and salads, all prepared to the same simple but compellingly moreish family recipes that demonstrate our passion for shellfish.
Meet the Team!
Let’s meet the team at both The Lobster Shop and The “Fishouse”.
Fun fact, we think The Lobster Shed’s nickname, The Fishouse, came from it’s past use as a herring store many, many years ago!
Ivar McBay / Biser / Dad
Ivar has been involved in the business for nearly his whole life. He has always lived in Johnshaven until later life where he made the big move 2.3 miles inland! He knows the area and the sea like the back of his hand. When Ivar isn’t busy, he enjoys the banter and chat with the fishermen, and still has some of the auld lads come by for a blether too.
Jackie McBay / Mum
Keeping us all right in the office, Jackie has been a part of the company for over 30 years alongside her husband Ivar. Whilst her accounts and managerial role is key to the business, she isn’t shy to get in the tank and pack some lobsters.
Jason McBay
The youngest of the 3 children, Jason has always known he wanted to work at The “Fishouse”. Since a young age, he was always taking trips up to the pond on the West Coast with his Dad, often spending his birthday there and the occasional Christmas! Handy knowledge on pump and boat maintenance helps keep the export side ticking over, and deals with a lot of the wholesale customers too. Whenever The Lobster Shop gets busy, you can expect to see Jason in there lending a hand!
Ivar McBay
Straight out of school and into the family business. Ivar has been hands on at Murray McBay & Co. from packing, to taking orders, to visits over to the pond. Now with these jobs still shared, he has taken on the more permanent job in the kitchen alongside Sally in The Lobster Shop. He has shown a great passion for new recipe ideas & after the summer introduction of lobster rolls were such a huge hit, he looks forward to seeing what the next year has to bring in the shop.
Loren McBay
Starting off with helping Jackie & her nana in the office, Loren now takes a more steady role in the running of The Lobster Shop with her brothers. When she isn’t there, she’s spending time with her little girl, Grace. Really enjoys the new retail aspect the shop has brought to the business.
Wee Grace
At nearly 2, Grace is a feature at many meetings and knows her way around the shop. Can usually be found testing out some new produce, playing with the pennies or having a nap. We’re all sure she will be a great asset to the business for many years to come.
John
John joined us at The Fishouse when he was just 16 years old. He has always been a great worker, lending his hand to all jobs from packing the export orders, cold winter trips over to the pond and now serving the odd customer in the shop, always with a smile on his face! We have been so lucky to have such a great worker and trusted friend here with us, and we think all business’s need a John Colquhoun!
Aunty Karen
Karen came to join Murray McBay & Co a few years ago and is now an integral part of the export wholesale department, but also helps out in the shop too. Usually found in the office with her little helper Grace.
Sally Drinnan
The newest member of team at The Lobster Shop. Sally has many years of experience as a chef and has already had some fantastic ideas for the shop. Her skills were greatly appreciated during our first summer which turned out to be a lot busier than expected, and her friendly and chatty personality has fitted in well.
LOBSTER SHOP FAVOURITES
Popular Produce
These are our most popular online products. You can browse our full menu below too!
