Shuck Like a Pro: Bentley’s Oyster Bar Announces the London Oyster Championships 2025

London’s most spirited seafood showdown returns this September as Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill revives its much-loved London Oyster Championships, an unmissable event set to take over Swallow Street on Friday 19th September 2025.

Now in its second year under the Bentley’s name and celebrating 20 years of Chef Richard Corrigan’s leadership, the event promises a shell-cracking spectacle of speed, style, and sustainability.

Backed by luxury English sparkling wine house Nyetimber and leading hospitality platform SevenRooms, the Championships continue to honour the great British oyster — and the people who know how to serve them best.

Two Heats. One Ultimate Champion.

Kicking off at 1pm, the Speed Shucking round will test the nerve and knife skills of the UK’s finest shuckers across four heats and a high-stakes final. The winner not only earns bragging rights, but also an all-expenses-paid trip to represent England at the World Championships in Galway, chasing the title of English Oyster Opening Champion — an honour Bentley’s own Federico Fiorillo claimed in 2023.

Expect tight timing and expert judging, with an esteemed panel led by Christ Leftwich and David Jarrad of the Shellfish Association of Great Britain, joined by previous master shucker Nicki Holmyard.

At 3pm, following live music and oyster-fuelled refreshment on the terrace, comes the Best Dressed contest. This round sees top chefs unleash their culinary creativity, designing oyster dressings that dazzle in both flavour and flair. Returning victor Tom Brown (Pearly Queen) will compete alongside talents from Noisy Oyster, Camille, Fallow, Applebees, and Prawn on the Lawn. The winning oyster will earn a coveted spot on the Bentley’s menu for one month.

Judging this gourmet catwalk? An all-star panel featuring chef and restaurateur Anna Haugh, Saturday Kitchen host Matt Tebbutt, Bake Off icon Prue Leith, and wine critic Hannah Crosbie.

A Celebration with Purpose

With beloved chef and broadcaster Gizzi Erskine hosting the day, guests can expect an afternoon rich in charm, culinary drama, and insights into the world of oysters. More than just a competition, the event supports the Blue Marine Foundation, raising awareness around sustainable seafood practices and marine biodiversity. All oyster shells from the day will be collected and returned to Essex Estuaries to support vital oyster restoration efforts.

How to Attend

Tickets are £55 per person and include unlimited native rock oysters, two drinks, a sustainability-led goody bag, and access to the exclusive after party.

Oyster lovers, seafood connoisseurs and curious foodies alike are urged to secure their spot now — places are limited and expected to sell out fast.

📍 11–15 Swallow Street, London W1B 4DG🔗 www.londonoysterchampionships.com📸 @bentleysoysterbar | @chefcorrigan | @londonoysterchampionship