The quiet coastal village of Seaton Sluice was the unlikely setting for an unofficial diplomatic visit when the Consul of Iceland popped in to a fish restaurant to sing their praises in a report back to the island’s government.
Gosforth solicitor, Clive McKeag heard glowing reports about the giant Icelandic cod and haddock being served at the Harbour View Restaurant from a work colleague so he decided to visit and see for himself.
Mr McKeag has held the diplomatic role for many years and is on hand to help Icelandic citizens who may need his help, he also looks for opportunities to promote the country and he feeds back success stories to the Icelandic government.
The Icelandic consulate in Newcastle upon Tyne is one of 230 Icelandic diplomatic and consular representations abroad.
The success of the Harbour View Restaurant can be traced back to excellent customer service; a passion for food and a reputation for only serving the best quality produce. Everything is cooked to order and queues often stretch out of the door, indeed, the restaurant has regular customers from Scotland and Yorkshire who visit for their weekly fish and chip tea.
Restaurant Manager, Sarah Cranson was surprised to learn that she had a diplomat customer.
“Our customers love the size and quality of the food we serve and they often talk to us about it. They particularly like the fish that is caught in the cold, deep seas off Iceland.
“Mr McKeag finished his meal and praised us on the taste, quality and size of the fish. He then told me he was very proud that it had been fished off Iceland and that he would report back to the relevant people in the country. I was amazed to learn about his role in international diplomacy.”
Mr McKeag commented: “A work colleague lives in Seaton Sluice and I’d heard her talking about the restaurant so I thought it was time I tried it for myself. I must say, the fish was very good.“
The Harbour View Restaurant is located at:
1-3 Beresford Rd, Seaton Sluice, Whitley Bay NE26 4DR
~Media Keith Newman Highlights PR 07814 397951