New Year oysters

Oysters to see in the year

Oysters are a New Year's Eve tradition for good reason: they feel like an occasion, they need no cooking and they are ready the moment you open them. A dozen on ice with a cold glass is a starter that looks like effort and takes none. This page covers how many to buy, how to open and serve them and how to get them in time for the night.

Rock or native

• Rock oysters are available every month, including over New Year. They are plump, briny and forgiving to open, which makes them the sensible choice for a party.
• Native oysters run only from September to April, the months with an R, so they are in season over New Year. They are stronger and more metallic in flavour and they cost more. If you want them, ask and we will tell you what we have.

How many per person

• As a starter: 3 to 6 per person
• As a generous spread with drinks: allow 6 or more per person
• We sell by the half dozen and the dozen, so give us your numbers and we will sort the count.

How to shuck and serve them

Hold the oyster flat in a folded cloth, cup-side down. Work the tip of an oyster knife into the hinge at the pointed end, twist to pop it, then run the blade along the top shell to release the muscle. Keep it level so you do not lose the liquor. If you would rather not, we open them to order at the counter so they arrive ready on the half shell.

Serve them cold on crushed ice with lemon, a shallot mignonette of red wine vinegar and finely diced shallot and a little Tabasco for those who want it. Brown bread and butter on the side.

How to plan it

Decide your numbers and whether you want rock, native or both. Order online or call in. Order by 1pm for next day delivery across west and south west London, or order ahead and collect in Barnes in about two hours, Tuesday to Saturday.

Delivery is free on orders from £50. Below £50 it is £5.95. Check our opening dates between Christmas and New Year before you plan collection.

Keeping them right until the night

Eat oysters as fresh as you can, ideally the day you buy them and within two days at most. Keep them cup-side down in the fridge under a damp cloth, never in water or a sealed bag. Discard any that stay open when tapped. Open them just before you serve.

Frequently asked questions

How many oysters per person for New Year? Allow three to six per person as a starter, or six or more for a spread with drinks. We sell by the half dozen and dozen, so tell us your numbers.

Should I get rock or native oysters for New Year? Rock oysters are available all year and are plump and forgiving to open. Native oysters are in season over New Year and are stronger in flavour and dearer. Ask us what we have on the day.

Can you open the oysters for me? Yes. We open oysters to order at the counter so they arrive ready on the half shell. If you are collecting, we can open them just before you leave.

How do I keep oysters fresh until New Year's Eve? Keep them cup-side down in the fridge under a damp cloth, never in water or a sealed bag. Eat them within two days of buying and open them just before serving.

When should I order oysters for New Year? Order by 1pm for next-day delivery, or order ahead and collect in Barnes the same day.

Do you deliver oysters? Yes. Delivery is free on orders from £50. Below £50 it is £5.95.

Order for delivery

Popular from the counter: rock oysters, native lobster, langoustine, scallops, smoked salmon and brown crab. See what is on the counter today or read how delivery works.

Feeding a crowd at midnight? Start with our shellfish.