The Oystermen branches out, acquiring neighbouring site

Founders Rob Hampton and Matt Lovell announced the expansion on Instagram, saying they are “delighted”, and that for the moment the restaurant is still fully open.

The new 50-cover space, which will span both 31 and 32 Henrietta Street, will include a raw bar and a larger kitchen, as well as more seating spaces for dining.

“We will have to close for a short time while we rip down the wall,” says the restaurant, “but for now we are well and truly still open and loving the summer.”

The restaurant offers a range of oysters cooked in the half shell, served with buffalo sauce and kosho; tempura fried with champagne aioli and smoked herring caviar; and with bacon, sage and brown butter.

Starters and mains include the likes of grilled sardines with ‘nduja, squid ink bread crumbs and yoghurt; wild sea trout tartar; whole undressed Devon brown crab with garlic aiolo; and pan fried sea bream with Isle of Wight tomatoes, garlic and oregano.

The group first opened as a pop-up extended residency at The Sampler restaurant and wine bar in South Kensington, and has also appeared at various special events.

“Since its inception, The Oystermen has always been committed to finding a permanent home from which to bring our friendly and fresh seafood concept to the wider London audience,” said co-founder Lovell, when the restaurant launched its permanent site in June 2017.

“We are incredibly excited to be making that home Covent Garden, the heart of the West End and an increasingly vibrant foodie location.”