Love seafood? You need this ‘shellmelier’ service in your life

We all love a classic chippy, but what about when you want to get a little more adventurous? This Marylebone spot is just the thing. It’s best to sit in the restaurant to be able to experience the full menu in all its glory (there is the takeaway option too). Expect to find favourites like cod and haddock across the menu, bolstered with fried Dover sole, salmon, or sea bass in a choice of batters such as traditional, panko, matzo meal or gluten-free, alongside plenty of other fresh seafood options. Not convinced? Did we mention that each main comes with bottomless chips…

49-51 Lisson Grove, NW1 6UH. 

Blending together two delicious cuisines under one roof, Burger and Lobster is a Soho staple with a whole lotta seafood options. We're talking stuffed lobster rolls with salad, fries and sauce, alongside jumbo sharing lobsters and an array of side dishes like lobster croquettes (notice a trend here?), crab cocktail and Thai-style mussels. You can also switch it up with wagyu and Nebraskan beef burgers if you fancy a little variation while you dine. 

36-38 Dean Street, W1D 4PS

If there’s one cuisine that knows a thing or two about preparing amazing fish dishes, it’s Italian. They’ve mastered putting it in and on everything – from a prawn-topped pasta primi to a succulent, slow-braised octopus secondi. One of the best places in the capital to sample this sorcery is Baccalà on Bermondsey Street. The menu changes daily, but whenever you visit, you’re in for a tasty treat.

Unit B3, 194 Bermondsey St, SE1 3TQ

Don’t know the difference between rock and native oysters? You’ll be able to find out at this sustainability-focused chain’s flagship Mayfair restaurant, which puts the ‘sea’ in seasonality. The menu changes every three months depending on what’s available, so you’re guaranteed to get something fresh, whether that’s the sea bass carpaccio (raw and thinly sliced) or the native lobster that adorns its risotto. Oh, and if you want to impress your dining partners, the native version of the natural aphrodisiac is smaller, nuttier, and only in the season when there’s an ‘r’ in the name of the month. You’re welcome.

6-10 Bruton St, W1J 6PU.

Ordering lobster?: 'Start with the legs, where you’ll find the juiciest and most tender meat and simply crack open the shell with the crackers. Then using the cockle forks, pick out as much meat as you can and enjoy!'

A key rule with seafood: 'If you come across a closed clam or mussel in your dish, do not attempt to prise it open. Not only is it incredibly hard, chances are it’s no good.' 

Prawns are a good place to start: 'Get stuck in there - lemon wipes provided will save you afterwards – twist off the head, then split the body shell by legs and peel off. Finally, pull off the tail and voila, you’re left with succulent prawn meat!'

Oh, and one final thing...: 'Don’t be shy when it comes to ordering seafood and fish in restaurants! Even if you’re unsure, just go for it – you can discover and grill the UK’s first ever Shellmelier service with TheFork this summer!'