I've called my new Seaham deli Filthy's but it's filthy good not bad
“It’s called Filthy’s as in filthy good,” says the owner of the newest addition to Seaham.
Matthew Lowery, co-owner of Filthy’s Deli Seaham, says the name has already been causing a stir on social media as he gears up to launch his newest venture in the town.
The businessman took over the lease at the historic Mill Inn, in Stockton Road, in summer 2024, opening the Barn at the Mill at first as a multipurpose events and function space, utilising the cabin-style buildings on the site.
He then took on the pub itself, running it as a restaurant.
However, Matthew, who co-owns Filthy’s Deli with business partner Nicole Porter, says the change in consumers’ dining habits means they have had to pivot the business to create the deli.
“In January last year, we took the whole pub and opened it as a restaurant,” he explained. “To be fair it was really busy until July / August time and we had good feedback on the food.
“It quietened down over the summer holidays and it just never picked up again.
“We ran some Christmas breakfasts at the site and, apart from teething problems with the first one, they did really well, serving 2,000 people.
“But after Christmas, we closed the pub and restaurant and decided to adapt the offering. Food has always been our passion, but we realised that a lot of customers don’t want to eat out in restaurants these days. People like convenient food or staying in and ordering.”
After a reconfiguration of the pub, the deli opens today, Friday, January 30, serving a range of ‘naughty’ foods, as well as healthier options, including panackelty, mince & dumplings, breakfast boxes, jacket potatoes, sandwiches, pies, hot beef sandwiches, kids meal deals, desserts, milkshakes and more.
“It’s filthy in a good way, not a bad way,” says Matthew. “The whole point is that it’s sexy, filthy food, as well as healthy options.”
He added: “The idea is to offer a bit of everything, so people can order everything from one place. We want to offer quality food and good portions at an affordable price.
“We have free parking here for people to call into the deli, but we are also on Just Eat and Eat Seaham delivery platforms.”
One of Seaham’s oldest pubs, dating back to the early 1800s, the Mill Inn has a long history in the town, including being the site of discussions that led to the formation of the North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers to improve safety in mines.
Speaking about changing the business, Matthew said: “The Mill Inn is a real landmark in Seaham and we didn’t want to just close the doors. We’ve spent a year and a half in Seaham and we’ve learnt what Seaham wants so we’re adapting to meet that.”
*Filthy’s Deli Seaham will be open 7am to 9pm seven days a week, but timings may change depending on demand.