Essex Oyster Company No 10 Restaurant Review

Oysters, Surprises & Seafood: My Essex Oyster Company Adventure

Essex Oyster Company along Pound Lane, Basildon, is not your average seafood haunt—think storage containers, sheds, and then, boom, a lively hub of oyster aficionados and seafood lovers tucked away behind a garden centre. If you’d told me a year ago that one of the most memorable oyster feasts of my life would be here, I’d have laughed you out the door. But here we are, and that’s exactly what happened. Basildon, not exactly famed for its seafood, just delivered a knockout.

We’d just been to the Maldon Smokehouse the day before (no oysters, bit of a letdown), so stumbling on this place close to family was a proper win. We’ve now influenced the locals in their own backyard—no more long drives for a taste of the sea!

The Oyster & Seafood Bar: Not Just Oysters

The Oyster & Seafood Bar at Essex Oyster Company is a treasure trove for anyone who loves the fruits of the sea. Not all oysters on the menu were available on our visit—no Belon, Gillardeau, or Ostra Regal this time—but what was on offer was more than enough to make a seafood fan grin. The counter was loaded with cockles, whelks, mussels, peeled prawns, crayfish tails, and those legendary Orkney luxury rollmops. There’s something for every palate and every budget, with prices clearly marked and portions generous.

Here’s a quick look at some of the seafood bar highlights:

• Cockles, Whelks, Mussels (S: £2.50, M: £3.50, L: £4.50)
• Peeled Prawns, Crayfish Tails (S: £3.50, M: £4.50, L: £6.00)
• Rollmops (£2.00 each)
• Surimi Crab Sticks (25p each or 5 for £1.00)
• Surimi Pinks (60p each or 5 for £2.50)
• Surimi Lobster Tails (£1.70 each)
• Surimi Crab & Prawn (S: £3.50, M: £4.50, L: £6.00)

Graph Comparison: British Oyster Varieties Featured at Essex Oyster Company

The Main Event: Maldon & Lindisfarne Oysters

Between three of us, we devoured 24 oysters—half Maldon, half Lindisfarne. Each one was shucked to order, served on ice with a choice of homemade vinaigrettes and fresh lemon. The freshness was off the charts.

Maldon Oysters (Essex)

These beauties are cultivated in the brackish waters of the Blackwater Estuary, a tradition dating back to Roman times. Maldon oysters are clean, briny, with a whisper of green grass and cucumber. There’s a mineral edge that screams “Essex coast.” They’re the classic British oyster—robust, refreshing, and a true taste of local waters.

Lindisfarne Oysters (Northumberland)

Harvested in the sub-tidal waters of the Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve, these are the oldest farmed oysters in Britain, with roots going back to monks in 1381. Lindisfarne oysters are creamier and more buttery than Maldon, with a gentle hint of cucumber and seagrass. If Maldon is a bracing walk on a windy beach, Lindisfarne is a gentle stroll at sunset—smoother, rounder, but still undeniably fresh.

British Oysters: A Quick Dive

Britain’s oyster scene is a mix of native (Ostrea edulis) and Pacific (Crassostrea gigas) varieties. The natives are rare, slow-growing, and strictly seasonal (September to April), while Pacifics are farmed year-round. Maldon and Lindisfarne are both Pacifics, but each reflects its unique terroir. The UK’s oyster heritage is deep—Romans shipped millions to London’s Billingsgate Market, and Victorian Londoners devoured them by the bucket. Today, sustainability is key, with initiatives like the Essex Native Oyster Restoration Initiative working to bring back the native stocks.

Want to explore oysters in Asia? Check out our Guide to Oysters in Singapore for a global perspective!

Rollmop Revelation

Now, let’s talk rollmops. I’ve eaten my fair share, but the Orkney luxury rollmop here was next-level: tangy, perfectly balanced between sweet and sour, with a texture that’s all silk and bite. At £2 each, it’s a must-try—seriously, don’t skip it.

No 10 Restaurant: A Peek Inside

We didn’t eat at No 10 Restaurant this time, but I had a good nose around. The space is stylish, with a fully stocked bar that would make any cocktail lover happy. The menu is impressive—think pan-seared king scallops, battered Peterhead cod, grilled skate, lobster mac & cheese, and a signature seafood boil. There’s even a set menu for lunch (two courses for £19.95, three for £24.95). The restaurant is set for expansion soon, and they’re awaiting certification for a smoker, which will add another layer to their already diverse offering.

Service, Atmosphere & Local Love

The staff at Essex Oyster Company are friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about what they do. The vibe is relaxed but buzzing—locals mixing with seafood pilgrims, everyone united by a love of good food. It’s a place that feels both exclusive and welcoming, which is a rare trick to pull off.

Chef Kenno’s Oyster Flashback

Now, a quick detour. Chef Kenno, notorious seafood sceptic, has been known to try the odd oyster—though usually under duress. Here’s a flashback to when he took on a fried oyster omelette in Singapore’s Chinatown, 7am, hangover in full swing. Watch and enjoy:

Final Thoughts: Basildon’s Seafood Secret

At islifearecipe.net, we don’t use the words “hidden gem”—AI bloggers have worn that phrase out. But let’s be honest: Essex Oyster Company is exactly that, just without the cliché. It’s a place that surprises, delights, and makes you rethink what’s possible in a town not known for seafood. The fact that it’s tucked away, almost secret, just adds to the magic.

With the restaurant expanding, a smoker on the way, and a menu that keeps evolving, Essex Oyster Company is set to become a destination for anyone who loves seafood—whether you’re a local or coming from further afield. We’re already planning our return.

If you’re ever in Basildon, or even just passing through, make the detour. Your tastebuds will thank you.

Want to know more about the area? Check out the Basildon Council for local info.

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