| Oysters for breakfast – The editor of Barbican Life was more than happy to attend the launch party for London Oyster Week (April 21-29) at Bentley’s Seafood Restaurant off Piccadilly as it gave him the opportunity to indulge in the produce of four different Oyster farms from points around the UK and Ireland, as well as sample some of the drinks offered by the week’s sponsors. Oysters for breakfast is definitely a great indulgence.
And now the first round of feature events for London’s inaugural week-long celebration of oysters has been confirmed. London Oyster Week will see more than 25 restaurants and bars across the capital host special menus, offers and events between 21 and 29 April 2018. Event organiser Katy Davidson said: “The feature events programme is an opportunity for oyster lovers, or indeed oyster doubters, to take a deep-dive and learn more about the food, the vast number of oyster varieties, and the many different ways of eating them.” The series of events starts with a free-to-attend drop-in session at the prestigious Richard Haward’s Oyster stand at Borough Market. “The Haward family are amongst the most famous and established oystermen in the country, dating back eight generations – so it’s the perfect spot to kick off London Oyster Week,” Katy continued. “The Haward family and their team of shuckers will be there all day, as will I to meet and greet oyster lovers. People can drop in at any time to find out about London Oyster Week, purchase Oyster Passports for the week ahead, and – most importantly – eat delicious oysters with a cold glass of bubbly, which will be on a very special offer to mark the start of the week.” Oyster Passports will entitle holders to special offers at all participating venues throughout the week, as well as discounted entry to all feature events, and 50% off the entire range at Flint & Flame Knives. The other confirmed feature events include: Saturday 21 April Bentley’s Masterclass Bentley’s, the oldest oyster bar in London, is offering Oyster Passport holders a special offer on its popular oyster masterclass with Helio Garzon, who has worked at the oyster bar for many years. Price: £60pp for Oyster Passport holders, including oysters aplenty, Champagne and an oyster knife to take home. Monday 23 April 5:00 – 8:00pm Expert tuition and tastings of Remy Cognac London Oyster Week Cocktails, followed by an informal gathering in the courtyard with copious amounts of delicious barbecued oysters. Price: £10pp for Oyster Passport holders. Tuesday 24 April Oyster Atlas at Northbank Restaurant A rare opportunity to try a huge array of oysters from locations all over the country, including a brand new appellation from the Isle of Barra in the Outer Hebrides. Farmers will take time away from their waders to shuck oysters and discuss their variety directly with guests. Price: £10pp for Oyster Passport holders. Thursday 26 April Bruichladdich and Oyster Pairing Masterclass at Mac & Wild, Devonshire Square A perfect pairing of merroir and 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. Sunday 29 April Motcombs Oyster Roast Traditional oyster roasts are an indulgence of flavours, and a great alternative to raw oysters. Cooked with a variety of barbecue butters, the oysters become rich in umami, spice, fragrant herbs and the odd wildcard of dark chocolate. Oyster Passports are £10 each, and can be purchased online: www.londonoysterweek.co.uk/oyster-passports. London Oyster Week will be raising funds for The Oyster Academy International – a community interest company dedicated to formalising and promoting oyster culture around the world, while fundraising to support the oyster industry, education programmes, and restoration efforts. For more information, visit www.londonoysterweek.co.uk. |
