18th August 2017

Entries now open for Tabasco’s 25th British Oyster Opening Championship

Written by: Katie Imms
Entries are now open for Tabasco Brand’s annual British Oyster Opening Championship – now in its 25th year - taking place in London on 5 September.

Calling professional oyster shuckers and chefs alike, the competition celebrates the skills and expertise of oyster shucking, with entrants having to open and present 30 native oysters as quickly and professionally as possible, before serving their platter to the panel of judges. This includes a number of highly acclaimed fish and seafood experts, such as Chris Leftwich, former chief inspector of the Fishmongers Company, David Jarrad, director of the Shellfish Association of Great Britain and Mike Berthet, fish and seafood director of M&J Seafoods.

Previous competitors include restaurants and oyster bars: Bentley’s, Scott’s, Wiltons, J Sheekey, HIX, Wright Brothers and English’s of Brighton, as well as last year’s champion and eight-time winner, Fredrik Lindfors from the Fish Shop, Kensington, who opened 30 oysters in 3 minutes 10 seconds in 2016.

Lindfors said: “Every year I look forward to competing in this event. The competitors are the most talented in the industry and to win the trophy is an honour and great acknowledgement of the skill required to shuck oysters at speed. Representing Britain at the World Oyster Opening Championships is a fantastic experience and the competition is always fierce. I’m looking forward to competing again this year!”

This year’s event will be hosted by chef Brian Turner, who will oversee contestants as they go head-to-head for the winning title and cash prize. The crowned champion will also go through to represent Britain at the World Oyster Opening Championships in Galway, Ireland on 22-24 September.

Executive vice president Harold Osborn said: “The Tabasco Brand British Oyster Opening Championship is a real celebration of the time-old skill of oyster shucking and the tradition of pairing oysters with Tabasco Sauce.

“Whether these oyster shuckers have competed for 10 years in a row or are entering for the first time, we are thrilled to champion their skills and expertise at the 25th anniversary of this competition.”

Allocated on a first come first served basis, please contact [email protected] to enter before 28 August.