Stonehaven’s Seafood Bothy could operate ‘in all conditions’ by taking over old fishing hut

Setting up a food van on a pier overlooking the North Sea can be a tricky business.

And while the setting certainly adds to the allure of Stonehaven’s Seafood Bothy, it can make trading “challenging” when storms roll in.

Owner Maria Lewis is now planning to weather-proof her business by taking over a former fishing shed yards away from the town’s south pier.

Papers submitted to Aberdeenshire Council explain that the independent trader could operate “regardless of poor weather”.

And what’s more, the businesswoman wants to install a lobster tank in the upgraded shack…

How would Seafood Bothy spin-off benefit Stonehaven?

Inspired Design and Development submitted the proposals to Aberdeenshire Council.

In the papers, operations director Ally Steel explained the hut would sell “pre-prepared cold food linked to the Seafood Bothy already at the harbour”.

Mr Steel said: “The client requires additional sales space due to the popularity of the Seafood Bothy.

“Operating out of the Bothy can also be difficult during periods of poor weather.

“The change of use of the hut will allow prepared cold food to be sold during all conditions.”

A rusted hut next to the shelter opposite the slipway would be transformed under the plans.

Learn about lobsters!

And he added that space would be set aside for lobster tanks in the revamped venue.

“Whilst the owners are seeking more storage space for fresh shellfish, they also wish to take this opportunity to offer learning activities to the public,” Mr Steel continued.

“As such they intend to offer controlled access to the storage tanks, where educational material promoting benefits of locally sourced, sustainable, shellfish will be on offer.”

Plans follow spell of disruption

The plans come after an uncertain period for the Seafood Bothy, which had to relocate this spring due to repairs.

Finally returning to the spot on the pier in May, Maria told us customers snapped up 300 meals.

Would you visit the second Seafood Bothy premises? Let us know in our comments section below

Seafood Bothy just one Stonehaven firm eyeing up harbour space

The Seafood Bothy is not the only Stonehaven firm looking to revive an old fishing shed by the port.

Last month, the Harbour Hut ice cream parlour lodged plans to bounce back from the closure of its shop by operating from a similar shed nearby.

You can see the Seafood Bothy plans here.