Tomorrow (21 April) sees the launch of London’s inaugural Oyster Week – an event founded by ‘oyster evangelist’ Katy Davidson (AKA The Oyster Lady), and dedicated to promoting sustainability and highlighting the abundant environmental and health benefits of bivalves.
Oyster Passports are available to purchase on the London Oyster Week website, and entitles holders to exclusive offers at venues across the city. Check out our pick of the events and dishes below.
DISHES
Noble Rot WC1
Head chef Paul Weaver combines the perfect partners of oysters and wine in a creative twist with his brilliant ‘Rock Oyster Raveneau’. “We took the tasting notes from a classic vintage from Domaine Raveneau (undoubtedly the best Chablis producer in the world) and added those flavours on to an oyster,” says Paul. Think lemon, brown butter, apple and seaweed. £3 a pop.
Bonnie Gull W1
Head to this Fitzrovia seafood shack to try Jersey Rock Oysters Three Ways – natural; tempura fried oyster, pickled watermelon radish, sesame mayonnaise; and dressed oyster, hendricks gin, cucumber & dill.
Boulestin SW1
Another chance to try oysters three ways, with a slightly different spin. The Bloody Oyster: raw oyster in tomato consommé, ancho chilli vodka, tomato and celery salsa; Hay Baked Oyster, lemon and oyster butter sauce, monks beard; and Tempura Oyster, soy ketchup, pickled radish, coriander.
Randall & Aubin W1
Honestly Oyster Week wouldn’t be complete without a visit to this fun Soho classic. Their special dish is six breaded Irish Oysters, tartare sauce & caviar with an Oyster Mary shot for £15.
Wright Bros SE1, SW7, W1 & E1
Or pay a visit to one of these havens for top notch oysters. The bustling Borough Market bistro is the original, but the offshoots all have their own charms too. Get three oysters dressed with Chardonnay sabayon, red onion relish and olive oil for only £7.50 with your Oyster Passport.
EVENTS
London Oyster Week Official Launch @ Richard Haward’s Oysters, Borough Market SE1
21 April, 8 am-5 pm
Celebrate the launch of London Oyster Week at this iconic Borough Market stall. You’ll be able to buy your Oyster Passports at the event, giving you exclusive offers throughout the week, as well as 50% off the entire range at Flint & Flame knives. Enjoy five freshly shucked West Mersea oysters and a glass of bubbles for only £10 all day.
Katy Davidson, London Oyster Week Founder AKA The Oyster Lady will be joining the Eighth generation oyster farmers from noon-2 pm to join answer any questoins about London Oyster Week and its events.
Oyster Masterclass @ Bentley’s W1
21 April
The popular Bentley’s Oyster Masterclass with master shucker Helio Garzon who, along with his team, sometimes shucks over 1,000 oysters a day will be open to ‘Oyster Passport’ holders at the special price of £60pp including oysters to taste, tips, tricks and guidance on preparing oysters, a glass of Champagne and an oyster knife to take home. Also ‘Oyster Passport’ holders can enjoy the Bentley’s Oyster Special of six carefully selected native oysters with a glass of Champagne for £25.
Remy Martin Masterclass & Oyster Roast @ Boulestin SW1
23 April
Join The Oyster Lady and Brand Ambassador Jack Charlton for this heady combination of beautiful cocktails and an oyster roast served in the historic courtyard of Boulestin, St James. You will be treated to expert tuition and tastings of the three London Oyster Week Cocktails from Mount Gay Rum, Bruichladdich Whisky and Remy Cognac followed by an informal gathering in the courtyard with copious amounts of delicious grilled oysters.
Bruichladdich Masterclass and Oyster Pairing @ Mac & Wild W1
26 April
A perfect pairing of Merroir & Terroir with the Islay malts blending beautifully with a selection of oysters. Octomore, Classic Laddie and Port Charlotte will all feature in a masterclass and tasting alongside cooked and raw oysters. Mac & Wild is the perfect location for this with its authentic Scottish heritage and brilliant attitude towards food and fun.
