The Oystermen, the happiest happy hour, restaurant review, London

You may remember that the Oystermen is one of my very happiest places. The cooking is exquisite, simple but perfect, showing the highest respect to the beautiful produce they work with.

Since my last visit, this tiny space has doubled in size and now has a raw seafood counter that runs the length of the new extension, making it the perfect place to come and sit on a rainy afternoon.

I had a visitor in town who had, very kindly, delivered, from the US, the laptop I am typing on now, so I was looking to repay this favour and fill a day with all of my favourite things. As it turned out, we never made it to the Tate but we did pack in a lot of food and drink and, yes, I did go overboard. Let’s not even mention that I ordered the tray of joy at Smoking Goat at midnight, having been out since 12.30!

Back to the Oystermen.  If you find yourself free during the week, between 3-5pm, I suggest you hasten here and pull up a seat at the bar.  If you find yourself in the office at this time, I strongly suggest you find a way not to be. Book an external meeting with, well anyone, yourself, find your way to Henrietta Street and be glad you did.

For just £10 you will get six fat Maldon oysters, freshly shucked, and a glass of bubbles. From memory, it’s a blanc de blanc and very quaffable.

Sit at the bar, watch the world go by, count your blessings, swill your oysters and sip your fizz, life is good.