SEAFOOD STARS
BUDGET THE COMPANY SHED, NEAR COLCHESTER
Although it sells both, you can still bring your own bread and wine (£6 corkage per bottle) to this legendary Mersea Island daytime spot. Platters of Gigas oysters, mussels, smoked salmon or dressed crab can be had for around £20pp. Meals from £13.50; the-company-shed.com
BUDGET RILEY’S FISH SHACK, TYNEMOUTH
There is always a queue to eat the fresh day-boat fish cooked over coals and served in dishes such as salt hake with caper and fennel salad or whole red mullet with salsa verde at this beachside fave. In the summer, tables, deck chairs and parasols extend the dining area out from the shack onto the sands. Plates from £14; rileysfishshack.com
BLOWOUT SEABIRD, LONDON
Seabird’s swanky rooftop dining space is seafood-focussed, from the longest oyster list (10 varieties with fizz pairings) to the raw bar and Med-inspired plates such as Cornish cod escabeche and a fantastic house cava. The Sunday brunch menu includes king crab and caviar bikini with chives and crème fraîche, all with great views and music. Mains from £25; seabirdlondon.com
BLOWOUT CATCH, WEYMOUTH
Located in the harbour’s handsome Grade II-listed former fish market, Catch is truly ingredient-led. Chef Mike Naidoo’s team writes the eight-course tasting menu around the incredible seafood bought from local day-boats by its sister business, fishmonger Weyfish. Dorset wines are available to pair with Portland crab dumpling broth, scallop ceviche or roast brill.
