I don’t say this about many things, but National Oyster Day might be my favourite date in the calendar. More than my birthday. Possibly more than Christmas.
I’ve eaten my way around wineries and coastlines from the Cape to Margaret River, and whenever a plate of oysters was put in front of me, I was a happy man.
The offer: £2 oysters
On Wednesday 5 August, we’re properly celebrating National Oyster Day—and we’d love you to join us.
Oysters will be £2 each, all day at Sam’s Riverside and Sam’s Waterside. There’s no time limit and no complicated catch.
Come for lunch, come for dinner, or stop by for a cheeky beer and six oysters on your way home.
Sam’s
Riverside
Reserve your table at Sam’s Riverside for lunch, dinner or a few oysters at the bar.
Book RiversideSam’s
Waterside
Reserve your table at Sam’s Waterside and join us for our National Oyster Day celebration.
Book WatersideMy favourite oysters, head to head
Everyone says oysters taste “of the sea”. Sure, but that’s a bit like saying wine tastes “of grapes”. Where they are grown changes everything.
For National Oyster Day, I want you to try two of my favourites side by side: Jersey Rock and Carlingford.
Jersey Rock oysters
Jersey Rock oysters grow in some of Europe’s fiercest tidal currents, getting tossed around the Jersey coastline day and night.
All that battering gives them a deep cup and a proper, firm bite: clean, briny and no messing about.
This is the oyster I judge all other oysters against.
Ours come from the Royal Bay of Grouville and are farmed by the Jersey Oyster Company. The business is run today by third-generation oyster farmer Chris Le Masurier, whose grandfather started it in the early 1970s.
Jersey has one of the world’s largest and fastest tidal ranges. At low tide, the sea can retreat for miles, meaning the oysters spend part of their lives submerged and part exposed to the air. That natural workout helps build their strong shells and characteristic bite.
Carlingford oysters
Our Carlingford oysters come from Carlingford Lough on the Irish border, where the Mourne Mountains run down towards the water.
The calmer conditions and freshwater flowing into the lough produce something softer, sweeter and almost creamy.
This is the oyster I hand to anyone who swears they “don’t really do” oysters. It usually changes their mind.
There’s a proper story behind this one, too. In the late 1960s, Dutchman Peter Louët Feisser sailed into Carlingford Lough on a homemade wooden yacht, fell for the place and never left.
In 1974, after hearing a BBC Radio 4 segment about oyster farming, he decided to try it for himself. The Carlingford Oyster Company was born.
More than 50 years later, it remains family-run under his son, Kian. The mountain streams feeding into the lough help give its oysters their gentler, sweeter character.
Which oyster will be your favourite?
Whether you’re already obsessed with oysters or you’re trying one for the first time, this is the day to find out where you stand. No judgement either way.
We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday.
I’ll see you at the bar.
Sam, Fanny and the team
National Oyster Day FAQs
When is National Oyster Day at Sam’s?
We’re celebrating National Oyster Day on Wednesday 5 August 2026.
How much are the oysters?
Oysters are £2 each throughout the day at Sam’s Riverside and Sam’s Waterside.
Which oysters will be served?
We’ll be serving Jersey Rock and Carlingford oysters, giving you the chance to compare two distinctive styles side by side.
What is the difference between the two oysters?
Jersey Rock oysters are firm, clean and briny. Carlingford oysters are softer, sweeter and creamier, making them an approachable option for first-time oyster diners.
Which Sam’s restaurants are taking part?
The £2 oyster offer is available at Sam’s Riverside and Sam’s Waterside.
Is the offer available all day?
Yes. The £2 oyster offer will be available throughout the day, subject to opening hours and availability.
Do I need to book a table?
Booking is recommended, particularly for lunch and dinner. You can reserve online for either Sam’s Riverside or Sam’s Waterside.
Can I visit just for drinks and oysters?
Absolutely. Join us for lunch or dinner, or stop by for a drink and a few oysters at the bar, subject to availability.
