Oysters and seafood by the harbour
Oysters shucked while you watch.
Five kinds from British waters most days, a crab that was in the sea this morning, and a glass of something cold.
$3.20an oyster · six for $17
Today’s oysters
Five waters, five tastes.
Ask for a mixed six and taste them left to right, gentlest first. The dots are how salty each one is.
THE BRINE SCALEBrine
West Mersea RockEssex · Creamy, a little sweet, a gentle start.
CarlingfordCounty Louth · Clean and briny with a cucumber finish.
Colchester NativeEssex, in season · Nutty, metallic, the one the fuss is about.
Maldon RockBlackwater estuary · Salty, bracing, best with nothing on it.
Jersey RockRoyal Bay of Grouville · Plump and sweet with a long mineral tail.
$3.20 each, six for $17, twelve for $32. Natives in season, from $4.
From the boats
In the sea at dawn, on ice by half ten.
05:30Out on the tideThe boats leave the harbour before the light.
08:00Landed and gradedOysters sorted by size on the quay, crab straight to the pot.
10:30On the iceIn our cold room by half ten, shucked only when you order.
12:00On your plateDoors open at noon. The crab is usually gone by eight.
Walk-ins at the bar
Stools for walk-ins, tables if you book.
Half the bar is kept free every night. Noon till late, Wednesday to Sunday, and oysters until the ice runs dry.