Shucks away! Entries open for Tabasco Oyster Opening Championship
The annual event, now in its 24th year, celebrates the start of Britain’s native oyster season by honouring the skill and expertise involved in the craft of oyster shucking.
The scored competition challenges shuckers to open and present 30 native oysters as quickly and professionally as possible, before serving their platter of impeccably presented oysters to a panel of judges.
The judging panel is made up of key figures from the fish and seafood industry including Chris Leftwich, retired 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. This year the event will also be hosted by renowned chef Brian Turner CBE.
Contestants will compete head-to-head for the chance to win the much coveted championship trophy, a cash prize and the opportunity to represent Britain at the World Oyster Opening Championships in Galway, Ireland on 23-25th September.
Last year’s champion seven-time winner Fredrik Lindfors from the Fish Shop, Kensington impressed the judges with his precision and flair for opening 30 oysters in a scored time of 3 minutes 55 seconds. Lindfors also went on to achieve 5th place at the World Oyster Opening Championships later in the year.
He said: “The TABASCO® Brand British Oyster Opening Championship is a great way for professional oyster shuckers to come together and showcase their expertise. Opening oysters involves tremendous skill and precision and many years of practice to do it at speed. I’m looking forward to competing again this year alongside some of the best shuckers in the industry.”
Celebrated chef and owner of HIX Soho, Mark Hix said: “We are delighted to be hosting this prestigious competition in our restaurant and look forward to welcoming the shuckers on the day.”
Senior vice president and 5th generation McIlhenny family member of the company that makes TABASCO® pepper sauces Harold Osborn, said: “We are proud to support this fantastic competition. These individuals certainly know their way around an oyster and we are thrilled to champion their skills and expertise and shine a spotlight on their talents.”
In the UK, TABASCO® Sauce was first introduced as an accompaniment to oysters over 100 years ago in 1905. To this day, it is still the most favoured pairing with oysters and remains a popular combination on restaurant menus and table tops around the world.