The team visit the Haward family on West Mersea Island

Two weeks ago, Jonathan (head oyster shucker), Sara (waitress), Carlos (Jnr Sous Chef) and Yuri (Head Chef) headed up to West Mersea Island to spend the day with Richard Haward and his son, Bram out on the boat. The family have been farming rock and native oysters in the Blackwater Estuary for seven generations, and are our long-time oyster supplier. You can find photos from our last trip here.

Richard Haward talks to the team about his family history in the rock and native oyster business.

Great fun was had by the team – although it was a speedy departure to get off Mersea Island before the tide came in and covered the only road on and off the island!

Bringing in rock and native oysters. Although native oysters can be caught, they will be returned to the sea to continue the harvesting period until September, when they will be available on our oyster menu.

Jonathan presenting a rather large rock oyster…!

Our raw and cooked oyster menu starts at just £2, and best enjoyed with a bottle of locally sourced Nyetimber sparkling wine. Call 01273 327980 to book our oyster bar for front-row seats and a private shucking demonstration with Jonathan, our head oyster shucker.