It’s oyster season – here’s where to find the best in London

It’s oyster season – here’s where to find the best in London

Credit: Courtesy of restaurants

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It’s oyster season – here’s where to find the best in London

By Amy Beecham

7 months ago

2 min read

Oyster season is officially here, and it’s time to start making your reservations at the best seafood spots in the city.  


Love them or loathe them, you have to admit that few delicacies are as chic as an oyster. Whether cooked or served raw with a dash of Tabasco, the classic appetiser can be found on the menus of many a London hotspot – provided that the timing is right. 

While rock oysters are available all year round, the old saying goes that native oysters should only be eaten when there’s an ‘r’ in the month, ie from September to April. And with the famous Whitstable Rocks oyster festival taking place this weekend, it’s clear that oyster season has well and truly arrived.

From the best Borough Market stalls to the finest seafood in the city, here are seven dining spots to visit and get in on the oyster action while you can. 


Scott’s

Scott’s

Mayfair institution Scott’s is famous for good reason. From head chef David McCarthy, you can expect refined, elegant dining as well as twists on classic dishes: think tempura fried oysters served with ponzu aioli.

Address: 20 Mount St, London W1K 2HE

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The Oystermen Seafood Bar & Kitchen

The Oystermen

Serving the best of British seafood in the heart of Covent Garden, head to The Oystermen for a changing daily oyster menu that includes highlights like XO oysters (inspired by the sauce of the same name) and pickle-back oysters drenched in Irish whiskey and dill.

Address: 32 Henrietta St, London WC2E 8NA

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Wright Brothers Borough Market

Wright Brothers Borough Market

Intimate, informal and never, ever dull, Wright Brothers serve delicious oysters naked on the half shell as well as dressed Rockefeller oysters alongside other fresh fish platters.

Address: Borough Market, Stoney St, London SE1 9AD

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Whytes

Whytes

Reject tradition and embrace Monster Munch-encrusted (yes, really) oysters at Hackney hotspot Whytes. The seasonal September menu also includes salt and pepper frog legs and a tempura octopus katsu curry to really treat your tastebuds. 

Address: Unit 3, 143 Mare St, London E8 3RH

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Oyster Shed

The Oyster Shed

On the banks of the river at The Oyster Shed, you can find some of the best sharing platters in the city offering a variety of flavours, from classics served with lemon and red wine shallot vinegar to Aperol spritz granita oysters. 

Address: 1 Angel Ln, London EC4R 3AB

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Pearly Queen

Pearly Queen

A relaxed oyster bar located in the heart of Shoreditch where you will find innovative and delicious seafood takes and cocktails from chef Tom Brown. Don’t leave without trying the crispy buffalo oyster, served with ranch dressing, or sample a raw oyster with champagne mignonette.

Address: 44 Commercial St, London E1 6LT

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Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill

Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill

For a taste of fine dining, try Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill, which opened in 1916 and has been serving up some of the freshest seafood in the city ever since. Featuring an entire menu dedicated to oysters, pick from dressed, hot and raw rocks or go for a Bentley Mary’s shot: vodka, Bentley’s bloody Mary mix and tomato.

Address: 11-15 Swallow St, London W1B 4DG

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Images: courtesy of restaurants

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