Oyster Masterclass at Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill
Recently I was lucky enough to be invited along to an Oyster Masterclass at Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill, Piccadilly, London. The Oyster Masterclass gives you the opportunity to learn all about oysters, shuck them, pair them with wines, and of course eat plenty of them in a relaxed and informal environment.
The Oyster Masterclass is held once a month at Bentley’s Oyster Bar and Grill and costs £65 per person. They last for about an hour and a half and include free flowing champagne and wine and as many oysters as you can eat! The nice thing about them is the maximum class size is 14 as you all sit around the long bar. Cosy and informal and a great way to get to know other people and have fun in a relaxed environment.
We arrived to a warm welcome and were shown to the long bar. Starting with a glass of champagne definitely got us in the mood for a fun couple of hours ahead. We were introduced to our hosts for the afternoon Fred & Helio – Oyster Shucking Aficionados and definitely the experts on all things oyster related. With over 25 years of experience between them, they know what they’re talking about!
The class began with an introduction about the types of oysters served at Bentley’s. Richard Corrigan, the owner, is a staunch supporter of all things British and loves local produce so the only Oysters sold in his restaurant come from around the British Isles. Today we were getting to taste one type of Native Oyster and two different types of Rock Oysters. This basically means wild oysters and farmed or cultivated ones.
The Native Oysters that we got to taste were from West Mersea in Essex and they were up first. I learned that Native Oysters can only be eaten for 6 months of the year. It’s illegal to catch them during summer as this is the time when they reproduce so you only get wild oysters in the colder months.
Oyster Shucking
Fred and Helio expertly shucked some of the oysters and gave them to us to taste. They described the best way to eat them – lemon juice and a tiny bit of black pepper. I can honestly say I’ve never had a better oyster. That Native Oyster was so fresh and firm and meaty, and they were right, lemon and black pepper is definitely the way forward. If you prefer there is shallot vinegar and even tabasco if you want it (although don’t let Helio see you do that!)
Then it was over to us and our turn to have a go at shucking them! We had a special block to hold the oysters. Much easier than the way they were doing it in their hands! We still had to stand up to get some force behind opening them! They’re slippery little suckers but you know what – the expert tuition worked. Not quite as neat as theirs but I did it without too much trouble. I even impressed myself.
I then had a go with a couple more but it just seemed easier (lazier) to sit back and chat with the other guests while Fred and Helio opened them for us! With the champagne free-flowing this was no hard task!
After trying the Native Oysters it was time to try The Rock Oysters. Two different types came from Dorset and Carlingford in Ireland. I’m no oyster expert, but even I could tell the difference. They were softer, less firm, and meaty, and slightly more watery in flavour. During the class, you get given an ‘Oyster Passport’ so you can record which ones you loved and which not so much!
Helio also opened a bottle of the House Wine – the Picpoul de Pinet for us to try as he wanted to show that oysters pair just as well with white wine as they do with the classic champagne. He was right, the crisp acidity of the Picpoul really did match perfectly with the salty, almost metallic taste of the oysters.
Cooked Oysters
Then, just when we thought we couldn’t eat any more oysters, (I must have eaten between 8 and 10!) out came a tasting plate of cooked oysters. Done in so many different ways, they were baked, fried, marinated and served with spinach, hollandaise, garlic, chorizo etc
Completely different from the fresh oysters, each was delicious in its own right, but it only really tasted of the sauce or the way it had been cooked. It had lost the fresh, saltiness that comes with the raw ones. I have to say though, I absolutely loved the baked oyster with spinach and hollandaise sauce and the deep-fried oyster with chorizo and caramelised shallots!
All too soon the class was over but it really was a wonderful way to spend a few hours. I loved it so much that I even booked my boyfriend and I in for a tasting plate of oysters for a Valentine’s Day treat. Very informative and educational and above all fun. This Oyster Masterclass at Bentley’s would make a great date idea or a gift for a foodie friend! Feeling a little bit tipsy I made my way home. Now I’m looking forward to returning for more of the same on Valentine’s night!
Edit: I have since tried oysters all over the world from Cap-Ferret, to Madrid, to Mersea and I credit this class with instilling a love of them in me!
The Oyster Masterclass at Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill is held once a month and costs £65 per person. They last for about an hour and a half and include champagne on arrival, an oyster master class, and tasting with sommelier-matched wines. You will also get to take home a goody bag with an apron, recipe cards, and an oyster knife. For more information or to book a class, visit this link.
I love cooking classes. It’s interesting that this one was at a restaurant, I haven’t seen that before (or at least not advertised). How did you find out about it?
What a fun experience. I need to find out if there is something like this near me. Great review Emma. ?
I am sure you had so much fun. I don’t really like oysters – I prefer fish. Thanks for sharing.
They have plenty of other seafood – and meat too if oysters aren’t your thing! 🙂
That is better
Wow seems amazing! Haven’t had oysters in soooo long!
Great idea for a gift.
This looks amazing! I am hoping to be in London within the next year, so I will keep this in mind!
You really should, it’s such a fun few hours!
My eldest loves cooking and I can imagine that when she’s old enough she will be going on quite a few courses like this.
I’ve been wanting to take a cooking class for ages! One of my fave restaurants offers one, I should really look into it.
What a treat that must have been! I wonder if there are any restaurants near me in Florida that do something similar.
I’d love to go here someday! I can feel the travel bug in me itching to get on a plane right now 😀
I tried oysters for the first time this year. They are quite tasty, what a fun class/
This would be a fun class! I wish I liked oysters though. I’ve just never found a taste for them but my husband likes them!
Oh my gosh. What a dream! I love them with Tabasco so I’d def have to hide to eat them! lol.
haha – yeah, they don’t mind really, they know everyone has different tastes, they were just pretending to be shocked!
I would love to attend a cooking class where I can be able to learn a lot of dishes especially from the super tasty oyster. I will check my schedule next month and see if I can make it.
It’s not fair! You have all the fun! LOL I’d love to do something like this. I liked the special holder you had for the oysters. I’d be worried about somehow accidentally cutting myself.
It was really good fun – we had such a nice time – already planning on taking another friend in a few months!
I can’t imagine how much fun it would be to be in London for vacation or even to live there. If that opportunity ever comes up, I’m heading to Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill.
They definitely know their oysters! Both the fresh and the cooked looks amazing! It’s a place that’s worth going to.
definitely – the freshest I’ve ever eaten!
woah looks very interesting! i like it!
Would you believe I’ve never tried oysters? Great post though! I think it must be amazing. I really want to learn more about cooking and making more food. Masterclasses like this sound fun! Bring me the wine…x
lol I agree – there was plenty of wine on offer (and champagne) and I definitely made the most of it!
As a foodie, this is definitely my type of experience, especially considering the bottomless champagne. I would certainly enjoy my fair share of oysters as well.
Ah what a fun event! Although I’m not sure I like oysters…
try them cooked first if the raw ones scare you!
I’m not keen on oysters but my husband doesn’t mind them I think a master class like this is a good idea though.
Sounds like a brilliant experience! Although I don’t eat shellfish now I used to work in an oyster bar many moons ago (and quite liked eating the odd one!)
Looks like a fabulous event, I have never tried Oysters but always wondered what they taste like
Apparently like ‘kissing the sea’ if you want to be poetic haha! I think they taste fresh and salty with a hint of sweetness and a tiny bit metallic
Wow free flowing champagne, I would be there just for the drinks haha! I would love to try a masterclass.
This looks like such a great place to dine!
Wow, what a cool experience! That is a great value for all the knowledge you gained, not to mention all the great samples you got 🙂
wow. looks like a fun class! i wish i can attend some events like this!
This looks like such a cool class. I’ve never had oysters before but a class like this would be a fun place to try them for the first time!
I know for a fact if I tried to shuck oysters – I would rip open my hands in 5 seconds!!
Haha practice makes perfect!!
Ooooh I love oysters but they do take a bit of knowledge to be enjoyed best so this masterclass looks like the perfect place to start!
I worked at an oyster bar while supplementing my income after college. I loved shucking oysters, it took awhile for me to get the hang of it but once I did there was no stoping me. This sounds like an excellent class Emma, all you can eat oysters sounds too good to be true. Those cooked oysters look divine. I had to pin this 🙂
It’s not too hard once you know how!
Oh no, oysters are not something I would order:D However those on the picture look tempting, maybe I would try:P
try the cooked ones first if the raw ones scare you!
This sounds like a really enjoyable evening. I have never had oysters before as I am not a seafood fan but being able to try different kinds sounds really good x
well, I am not a huge fan of oysters but in this place let me tell you, I will definetely eat them!
What a fantastic time you had! Anything to do with oysters has got to be a lot of fun! We hold and Oysters and Champagne Masterclass in our school once a months that’s extremeky popular!
which school is that?
What a fun experience! My hubby LOVES oysters so he would’ve had a blast doing this!
I’m not really a sea food person but I’m sure the class was amazing!!
This looks so good. I’m not a big Oyster fan but my husband loves them.
The food looks amazing! I would love to visit and try it. I have never eaten oysters but I am willing to try something new!
Oyster masterclass! Yummmm-eee! I really want to try oyestera they look amazing! Was this your first ever time trying them.
Not my first time, but the first time that I really loved them! Before the class I could just take them or leave them!
Ive never tried an oyster but would love to go to a class like this!
I love Oysters and there a so many awesome preparations served here. Loved it!!
Oysters are so good, I really like them with a little lemon juice and some raw shallots. The food looks amazing all of it.
I have never taken a cooking class before but it looks and sounds like a lot of fun! I will have to research and see if they have something like this in my area.
My mouth is watering by looking at these photos!!! I love oysters and this sounds like an awesome class!!
It was really good fun – I’d highly recommend it!
This looks like such an awesome experience! I’ve only experienced shucking oysters once. It was horrible lol.
really? why? 🙂
Hubby and I would love this. We’re huge fans of oysters and also love trying different cooked ones
Absolutely looks a fun class and an awesome experience, I want to attend in a class like this
I’ve never been in a cooking class. I need to try it, it looks fun and it’s a great way to get out of my comfort zone hahah x
What a beautiful place. I have never tried oysters before. Not sure if I could swallow them or not 🙂
one bite and gulp them down! 🙂
Mouth watering review 😛
Looks a fun event and I want to attend in a event like this, I love Oyster so much
Looks Yummy. Sorry but I’m not a fan, This is a good read though.
I love oysters, this sounds like so much fun! I only use fresh lemon juice on my oysters, will definitely have to try it with a little pepper also. Thanks for the tip!
I think this would be a great experience for a foodie. I’ve never had oysters before, but I have a friend who really likes them.
Cleaning an oyster can be very tricky and learning this task from the very best is quite interesting. Although i am a vegan I would still love to learn this art of cleaning and cooking oysters for special occasions.
This looks like a great event and really interesting too x
ive still not tried oysters, my gag replext im sure wont be able to manage it but i made my husband try some on holiday and he loved them x
What a great, fun experience. Your photographs look amazing 🙂
This looks and sounds amazing. I love love love oysters! I never even considered taking a class, especially one with Champagne. Ah-mazing.
That is such an interesting idea for a masterclass. I know there are people who are just devoted to oysters who would love to learn so much about the different types of oysters and how to shuck and prepare them. It sounds like you really enjoyed yourself and the staff at Bentley’s did a fantastic job.
What a great evening. I don’t think I’ve ever tried an oyster, but I would love to go to a place like this and have this experience. I’m sure i would come away with a new love for this food
I’m not a huge oyster fan at all but this is something my parents would love to do x
It’s a great gift to give to someone! I’d love to get an experience like this as a present!
I like the interior. The bar looks great.
I have NEVER tried Oysters but have always wanted to. They don’t look very appealing and I don’t like slimey things but so many people rave about them that I still want to pluck up the courage to try them one day!! The bar and grill at Bentley’s looks fabulous, maybe that would be the perfect place to give them a try! xxx
I’ve had them quite a few times and honestly these were the best Ive had – you should give them a go!
You should give them a go – they look less enticing than they taste – and these were the meatiest and least slimiest Ive ever had – delicious!!!
What a great experience! I’ve not actually tried oysters before but this looks like a fab class for those who love them x
Ohhh! I love oysters! Hopefully, I can also try this oyster masterclass.
What an amazing experience and as someone who loves oysters, I love the sound of the masterclass x
I know a few people who would absolutely love to go here. The ‘passport’ idea is fabulous!
oH I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE A SIMILAR EXPERIENCE 🙂 SUCH ANA AMAZING EVENT
It must be a fun class, I’m sure you enjoyed it. I would like to try someday something like this
The oyster masterclass sounds like a great experience i do love to cook and haven’t made anything with oysters before.
Wow this looks great and something completely different. I’m not sure about the raw oysters but I’d be keen to try the cooked ones.
Sounds like an amazing masterclass, I have never tried oysters before
looks like a lot of fun. I’m not sure I could eat one as it comes but I’d love to try it cooked
This sounds like an amazing masterclass. I must admit I’ve never tried oysters before! :O xo
This sounds like a very cool class to take my spouse. I have tried different type of oysters and I must say, Oyster’s is not my thing. Thanks for sharing and now, I have another place to surprise my spouse for birthdays and anniversary!
I absolutely love oysters! This sounds like the perfect class for me.
I tried an oyster around 20 years ago and have never dared give them a go since. I love the idea of learning about them, and trying the cooked ones too!
What a fantastic experience, I would love to attend an oyster masterclass!
My mummy loves Oysters! Not a big fan on the being baked though. Sounds like a great masterclass!
I don’t think I’ve ever eaten oysters before. They look scary to me, haha. I do like trying new things though and I’d definitely need a class like this to teach me to prepare them because I don’t know the first thing.
Love Oysters and Champagne, sounds like you had a great time, next time I am in London I will look it up,.
Interesting. All though I could never bring myself to actually try an oyster this was def an interesting read 🙂
woa! i love oysters! i love to learn new recipe of oystes!
I have never tried an oyster before as the thought of them scares me. I am not great with strange textures. Looks like a great day though.
I’m not a fan of oyster but it really looks interesting for me and looks like that you had an awesome day
This sounds like a lot of fun and what a different way to spend a day. I didn’t realise oysters were cooked so many different ways, well done on your shucking
I recently tried oysters for the first time and still can’t decide if I like them or not… Such an odd flavor!