The folks at Surry Hills speakeasy the Wild Rover know a thing or two about oysters; they’ve been serving them up to hungry punters since 2013. In 2017, they decided to put this shuck-load of oyster knowhow to the test by launching the Wild Rover Oyster Fest, and three years later, the crustacean celebration is still going strong.
At last year’s fest, more than 11,000 oysters were slurped down by seafood-loving Sydneysiders, and this year is expected to be a similarly scaled weeklong feast. On offer for the third annual Wild Rover Oyster Fest will be the freshest Sydney rock oysters from the state’s top oyster farms, and you can pick up a dozen for just $15 throughout the festival. And of course, as Wild Rover is one of the city’s finest whisky bars, you’ll also be able to enjoy a selection of perfectly paired measures of smooth amber spirits.
On Monday October 28 at 6.30pm, a whisky tasting master class will bring together two staples of luxury indulgence, Talisker and Oysters. The event is hosted by Katie Nagar (brand ambassador of Scottish coastal distillery Talisker) and Australian Oyster Coast’s Paul Ryder, and tickets can be booked on the website.
If you’re in the mood to dance, on the evenings of November 1 and 2 from 6-9pm you can channel your inner Michael Flatley to the sounds of Irish ceilidh band Flying Seaman. Then get into the spirit (literally) with one of the festival’s signature whisky cocktails – perhaps a Talisker highball – in hand.
The festivities kick off at 4pm every day, October 28 to November 2, and general entry is free.