Home to incredible seafood spots and fish ‘n’ chip restaurants, we eat a lot of fish in Bristol. Meanwhile, fish is served in 97% of households in the UK, and over a third of the world’s population depends on seafood for protein. But we’re also well aware of the fishing industry’s impact on the world’s oceans (we all remember Seaspiracy, right?)
That’s why last year, champion and advocate of sustainability and local produce, acclaimed Bristol chef, Josh Eggleton, launched a city-wide food festival that celebrates eco-friendly fish. With many local restaurants, suppliers, and producers getting involved in Bristol Seafood Week, we saw everything from week-long fish-inspired menus and seafood cooking classes to discussions on seafood sustainability.
It’s now been confirmed that Bristol Seafood Week will return for 2025, a week before the city’s annual maritime celebration of Bristol Harbour Festival, on July 7 to 13. Once again, several restaurants at Wapping Wharf, which offers the perfect waterside location, will be at the heart of the festival – including Salt & Malt, Root, BOX-E, The Olive Shed and Gambas. Other notable participating venues include Noah’s, Condesa, The Kensington Arms, The Pony Chew Valley and The Pump House
You can expect it to be “bigger and better” than last year’s event with exclusive dishes, one-off events, seafood feasts, cooking demos, and expert talks during the week, before a weekend festival finale at Wapping Wharf (July 11-13) – all in the name of protecting our marine life while still enjoying seafood. More restaurants will be announced in the coming months, and yours can take part by hosting an event, creating a special dish/menu, or any other kind of celebration of British Seafood.
What’s on for Bristol Seafood Week?
Sustainable Seafood Feast at The Olive Shed
The Olive Shed on the Harbourside has created a feast that champions sustainable, thoughtfully sourced British seafood for the week (July 7 – 13). Start with small plates like fresh Porthilly oysters and scallops with whipped Iberico ham and crispy potato, then dive into larger dishes such as sea bass crudo with pickled shallots and pink peppercorn, mussels in sobrasada cider cream, or whole baked sea bream with herb butter and lemon. Book your table here.
Seafood Over Fire at Noah’s
Noah’s has an unmissable evening of Seafood Over Fire on Tuesday, July 8. They’re serving 5 courses, from Orkney Island scallops to south coast monkfish and native Dorset lobster on our terrace, as well an optional wine flight, from £65. You can learn more here.
Seafood Supper at Salt & Malt
Salt & Malt has prepared a one-off supper menu championing South West producers for Wednesday, July 9. Expect a vibrant five-course menu thanks to the likes of Clifton Seafood, Flying Fish, Newberry Smokehouse and Hugo’s Greengrocer – with each dish crafted to bring the very best out of British seafood. Tickets are £40 and you can learn more here.
Steak & Lobster Night at The Kensington Arms
Thursday (July 10) sees The Kensington Arms offering the ultimate Surf & Turf dinner for £65. This special event showcases the best of sustainable British seafood, featuring a delectable menu that highlights the rich flavours of Bristol’s local offerings. You can learn more here.
Seafood Tasting Menu at BOX-E
To also celebrate British Seafood Week on Thursday, BOX-E will be hosting a special tasting menu featuring stunning fish and shellfish over five courses, for £65 per person. Learn more here.
Seafood Feast with Bristol Rising Stars
The ultimate Seafood Feast on Friday, July 11, sees a collective of the city’s most exciting up-and-coming chefs (from Caper and Cure, Noah’s, The Kensington Arms and Gambas) cook a live-fire five-course seafood feast. Get your tickets for £65 here.
The Seafood Emporium
A free-to-enter celebration of the finest British seafood, set on the harbourside in the heart of Wapping Wharf. On Saturday, July 12 and Sunday, July 13, this pop-up seafood haven will be packed with long dining tables, a buzzing Bristol Beer Factory bar, a demo kitchen, live music, and a Seafood Emporium showcasing the best local and national producers, fishmongers, pop-ups and oyster bars and even an Asado Grill from The Pony Family.
Whole Crab Picking & Eating
Learn how to pick a whole crab like a pro using everyday tools in this hands-on masterclass with seafood expert Adrian Bartlett on Saturday, July 12. Once you’ve picked your crab, chef Josh Eggleton will show and tell you a quick dressing and plate it beautifully for you to enjoy on the spot. Tickets are £30 and can be purchased here.
Oyster Shucking Competition at The Seafood Emporium
Calling all oyster lovers, speed shuckers, and seafood pros, the Bristol Seafood Week’s first ever Oyster Shucking Competition is happening on Saturday, July 12—and it’s free to enter. With three categories (Beginners, Intermediate, Professionals), now’s your chance to get cracking! You can sign up here.
Saturday Seafood Night Banquet
Some of the South West’s most celebrated chefs – including Josh Eggleton, Pete Sanchez, Rob Howell, Seldon Curry and Hannah Catley – will cook up a five-course banquet on Saturday, Jul 12. Showcasing the depth, diversity, and seasonality of British seafood, get your tickets for £65 here.
To learn more, head here.