Wheelers Oyster Bar

The striking pink & blue facade is a Whitstable landmark (founded in 1856) & this commendable oyster-bar-cum-restaurant serves first-rate seafood. The front room is a diminutive Victorian seafood bar with just four seats serving mainly shellfish & salads to eat in or takeaway. The cluttered, old fashioned back dining room seats a dozen or so people & deals in very fresh fish straight off the boats - delivered by chef Mark Stubbs in a bold style, say whole local lobster set in a warm crab & thermidor tart with buttered asparagus, & glazed vegetables or halibut with crab, avocado & lime cocktail with roast pepper & goat’s cheese dressing. It is essential to book & don’t be surprised to find weekend evenings booked several months in advance, even in winter. BYO as the restaurant is unlicensed. Note no credit cards taken.