483 . The Oyster Club By Adam Stokes.

 

  Lunch in town with a friend at short notice. Where to go? Where more conveniently placed as well as serving good food than The Oyster Club by Adam Stokes? A cocktail first in the very relaxing though bustling The Alchemist and then a very short walk across St Philip’s churchyard to the upper part of Temple Street.

‘The legal one’ cocktail, The Alchemist.

  A pleasing welcome by general manager Chris Fikeis in an otherwise quiet lunchtime atmosphere. Another cocktail and then straight on to the chilled seafood platter for one with its gargantuan collection of marine life which was easily enough for two. The oysters were excellent - full of maritime salinity and the mussels were generally plump and satisfying. There was dressed crab, which caused us both to order the platter in the first place, and a multitude of other crustaceans with particular pleasure coming from the fine langoustines. There were also king prawns and Atlantic prawns and a series of dips - shallot mignonette, aioli, saffron rouille and a particularly tasty Marie Rose.

  Then on to a regular favourite of mine, a fine whole Dover sole on the bone served with brown butter and capers and delightful brown shrimps. The simplicity of the dish is its strength though perhaps my sole was very slightly over. We ordered a side plate to share of new potatoes but were both sorry to find they had been sautéed. Chefs can not resist overegging the pudding - they need to show off their skills, quite understandably - how much more enjoyable are new potatoes boiled optimally and served salted and with butter. One is rarely presented with this simple presentation of potatoes - I should like to see it more frequently. 

  Despite our potato disappointment, we enjoyed our visit to The Oyster Club and were far too full for dessert. 

  I was pleased to be informed that, following my recently bespoke omelette Arnold Bennett at The Oyster Club, the luxurious dish was soon to be back on the main menu. The Oyster Club then, will be seeing me again soon.

Statue of Arnold Bennett, Stoke on Trent.

Rating:- 🌞.