I’ve lived in Essex for 20 years now and until yesterday I had only ever been to Mersea Island once. And that was to the East side, not where we were going this time. Mr C decided we would hop on the motorbike and grab lunch on the island as the tide was out! For those who don’t know, the road on to the island is completely impassable at high tide. Therefore checking before you travel is essential to get on and then off again! I love most types of fish so I was really excited to find the best Seafood on Mersea Island and here is what I found.
P.S Make Sure You Don’t Get Lost First
The island is not big in any way shape or form and we had a sat nav apparently taking us to our destination….or so we thought! Having made it to the correct side of the island, we seemed to be surrounded by multicoloured beach huts, with only a cafe around. There was a clear sign saying ‘Cash Only’ which was fortunate for us to be honest as we had none. This meant we didn’t end up having a bacon sarnie when what I was after was the best seafood on Mersea island, not the best bacon bap! Sat-nav re-programmed, we got back on the bike and set off again in search of something a bit fishier!
‘Seafood Central’
Less than two miles away we found what we were searching for, the fishing and restaurant area. Mersea Island is really famous for its oysters, and the remnants of the oyster beds are on full display at low tide. However I am not a fan of an oyster so I was after something more fish like.
There are plenty of places to choose from, and as the island gets heaving in the summer season this is surely essential. Now all we needed to do was select our restaurant. Would it be:
The Company Shed? I have heard a lot about this place over the years. The reviews looked excellent, and you take your own drink which is a nice quirky touch.
The Oyster Bar? This was going to be a ‘No’ from me, they are just not to my taste. I still remember the smell of Mr C after he had consumed a few…..It lingers on your breath apparently!
The Duke’s Seafood? Hmmmmm, this looked lush.
So Where Did I View As The Place To Get The Best Seafood on Mersea Island?
The Duke’s Seafood of Course!
It was meant to be! There was space for our bike in their car park and plenty of seating available in their outside dining area. With an enormous fish counter to the front we could see there was a great selection to choose from. Armed with a menu we chose a seat right by the waters (tide out though) edge.
The View
There is something about the sea air that just makes me hungry! We did as the sign said, find yourself a table, locate it’s number and then you can order! With a specials board brimming with goodness, the choice was more than ample. However, as this lunch trip out was very spontaneous (shouldn’t have happened) and there was an issue. We were already going out to a lush restaurant with friends for dinner & thought we shouldn’t over do lunch. It therefore means we will need to go back and sample the delicious looking huge platters of seafood goodness!
We Eat…..
Thankfully we spotted some scrumptious sounding sandwiches and light bites on the menu and got perusing! Mr C opted for the crab sandwich whereas the mackerel pate with chunky bread took my fancy. Table number in mind, I promptly went to the counter to order as I was ravenous by now!
We were not disappointed in any way shape or form with the food which was delivered. Mr C’s (above) crab sandwich on wholemeal bread came with wedges & salad. My mackerel pate and chunky bread (pictured at the top) was simply delicious! Having recently been to Cornwall and declaring their mackerel pate to be ‘The Best’ I enjoyed a private comparison in my head. Unsure which was was the better as they were both very different to be honest. Essex vs Cornwall is tough in this competition, read about the Cornwall Mackerel in Zennor here.
Verdict of the Best Seafood on Mersea Island
Satisfied and full, we climbed back on to the bike, slightly in a food coma and headed home. So today I announce that the best seafood on Mersea Island is by The Dukes Seafood. This is however based on the fact it’s the only one I have eaten at……so far…….
Where do you think the Best Seafood on Mersea Island is?
Let me know so I can go and sample their delights. Then once again I can see where you can get the best seafood on Mersea Island!