Brighton Oyster Festival crowns shucking champion

The Brighton Oyster Shucking competition saw eight professionals from restaurants and bars in the city compete to win the coveted oyster crown and a place at the London Oyster Championships in September.

Finalists included Lukas Ridstrom from Clementine and Co, Abel Viera from The Winkle, Tom Rose and Scott Rowan from Burger and Lobster, Jacob Hobbs from The Salt Room and a trio of the English’s team – Annia Gawlik, Nader Gergis Boulos and Emanuele Occhipinti.

Hosted by oyster sommelier Jonathan Speirs, each contestant was required to shuck 20 oysters while they were timed.

Independent judges Andrew Kay from Latest TV and Steve Holloway from The Argus checked oysters for shards of shell or pierced flesh with additional time penalties added accordingly.

Results were close but ultimately the crown was awarded to Annia Gawlik of English’s who’ll go on to represent the city in London, with a chance to represent the UK at the international finals in Galway in the autumn.

All the oysters for the event were donated by Burger and Lobster in Market Street.

"We’ve joined numerous events during the Brighton Oyster Festival," said Mitch Brummitt, general manager at Burger and Lobster.

"My team – particularly Scott and Tom – have really embraced participating and it was a no-brainer for us to sponsor the oysters for the shucking competition."

Over 400 oysters were shucked on the day, with each sold for £1 with all proceeds to Martlet’s Hospice raising a total of £480 including additional donations on the day.

"The event was a huge success," said host Jonathan Speirs.

"Both the competitors and the audience had a great afternoon and I think next year we could stage an even bigger day to benefit the whole community and raise more money for Martlet’s."

Event organiser BITE Sussex will be hosting further food and drink events in the city and surrounding county later this year.

Visit www.bitesussex.com for details.