Way back in May we spent a week in South Devon, I’ve already posted a few times about what we got up to and have finally got around to finishing some posts on what we ate, after the blog was interrupted somewhat by the arrival of a new little foodie into our family! I’ve got a few reviews of our foodie adventures in Devon to come over the next few weeks and at someone in the future normal blog service may be resumed, with the addition of some more family and baby orientated posts too!
On asking twitter for some foodie recommendations on our trip to South Devon, we were inundated with places to try. One place that came up a few times was The Oyster Shack.
This somewhat makeshift seeming restaurant in Bigbury on Sea is bright and colourful and known for its seafood, especially oysters (did you guess!?) We actually went twice to the Oyster Shack whilst away, we enjoyed the first time so much we took my parents back when they stayed with us for a couple of days.
The menu is packed full of fish, although you can see meat options on request (i don’t think anyone does!) The majority as far as I can tell is local and freshly caught. They have a limited number of whole crabs and lobsters each day – when they’re gone they’re gone!
Lee loved seeing Old Bay seasoning on the tables too!
Over the couple of visits we managed to try a fair but of the menu. Starters wise Lee loved the Au Naturel Oysters with Red Wine and Shallot Vinegar while my parent tried some of the other hot oysters – devilled with sweet chilli jam and those with blue cheese crumble and declared them a hit. Other oyster options included Hot & Sour, Asian Inspired, and Snappy Apple!
A few other starters that we tried – Breaded Smelt ( a sustainable alternative to whitebait) with Garlic Aioli, Homemade Crab Soup and the Shack Mussels with Bacon Leeks and Cream. All of them hit the spot according to their respective eaters. I can personally vouch for the Crab Soup which was packed with crab flavor and sharpened with a few twists of lemon which worked really well.
Moving onto the main courses. You were spoilt for choice with the crabs, lobsters and Sharing fish platters. I tried a lobster my first night with chilli and lime butter which was simply delicious, and the second night went for John Dory with Greek Salad and Tzatziki dressing. The latter was somewhat unusual for a fish dish but but light and oh so tasty. Lee also had this one night and raved about it!
Round the table we also tried the Roasted Cod with Spiced Lentils, Mint Yoghurt and Cripsy Shallots, Slip Sole and a Dressed Hot Crab.
We only had dessert one of the nights – and tried the Shack Seaside Sharer. Unfortunately the quirky mix of doughnuts, banana milkshake, mini ice cream cone and other seaside treats didn’t hit the spot like the fish had done.
We loved the fish offerings at the Oyster Shack, food rustic and simple but with a lot of thought and very decent execution.
Disclosure: We/my parents paid in full on both occasions.
