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Eat Shop Play Mersea Valkyrie Fresh Catch

Fresh Fish & Seafood

Surrounded by the sea, Mersea Island boasts some of the most exceptional seafood and fresh fish in the country, anchored by our world-famous native oysters. Dive into our guide below to discover the finest local fishmongers, coastal shacks, and waterfront spots to source your fresh catch.

Pubs: Services

🧭The Navigators Deck

Featured Business : Colchester Oyster Fishery Ltd

 

Colchester Oyster Fishery Native Oyster
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Where: Pyefleet Quay, East Road, West Mersea, CO5 8UN

Globally renowned for supplying premium, world-class delicacies, Colchester Oyster Fishery is a historic maritime institution based at the pristine Pyefleet Quay. Sourcing directly from Mersea’s deep, nutrient-rich waters, they have mastered the art of cultivating the finest sustainable shellfish and legendary local oysters. The fishery seamlessly caters to both high-end wholesale clients and passionate local seafood lovers looking for an unmatched farm-to-table experience. New for 2026, they are now offering free Friday delivery straight to your door anywhere on Mersea Island! Hand-prepared to order, these luxury, fresh seafood platters offer a proper, curated selection of the absolute best catch—making them the perfect weekend luxury for locals, or an effortless feast delivered right to your holiday park. 

  • 🚨 Top Tip: Want a gourmet weekend feast without leaving the couch? Pre-order your bespoke Friday platter early by visiting the website and selecting Mersea delivery or by calling 01206 384141 to guarantee a delivery slot. 

  • 🐾 Pet Policy: Operating primarily as a working fishery and supply quay rather than an eat-in venue, please check directly regarding any specific access restrictions if you prefer to collect your order. 

🌐 [ Visit Website ] | 📞 [ Call Fishery ] | 🗺 [ Facebook ] | 📧 [Email]

(Proud to Support Eat Shop Play Mersea)

Editor's Choice : Seafood at Dawn

 

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Seafood at Dawn

Where: Coast Road, West Mersea, CO5 8LS

A standout jewel on the island's culinary map, Seafood at Dawn is a premier waterfront destination located directly on the bustling West Mersea shoreline. Housed in a charming, black-slatted coastal cabin on Coast Road, it seamlessly blends authentic island heritage with a relaxed, modern dining atmosphere. The kitchen lives by a simple rule: if it isn’t fresh-off-the-boat, it isn't on the plate! Highly celebrated for delivering incredible culinary value, their signature cold seafood platters are loaded with fresh mussels, cockles, shrimp, smoked fish, and local oysters. They also offer an incredibly popular seafood tapas menu allowing you to mix and match smaller plates like pan-fried scallops, alongside beautifully executed classics like fresh Dover sole and locally caught skate wings. It is the ultimate spot to enjoy exceptionally fresh, locally landed fish while taking in panoramic, sweeping views of the Blackwater Estuary.

  • 🚨 Top Tip: Reservations are highly recommended for weekend slots to secure a table by the water. Call 01206 383253 to book.

  • 🐾 Pet Policy: Very family-friendly, with dogs warmly welcomed in their outdoor seating areas to soak up the coastal sunshine!

🌐 [Visit Facebook] | 📞 [Call Restaurant] | 

(Proud to Support Eat Shop Play Mersea)

🦪The Shipmates Deck
Featured this week:

The Company Shed Logo

The Company Shed
129 Coast Road, CO5 8PA
01206 384141
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World-famous, family-run island eatery celebrated for its incredible eat-in or take-home fresh seafood and cooked crabs, cold seafood platters loaded with prawns, cockles, mussels, smoked fish, and legendary local oysters.

Eat Shop Play Mersea Company Shed
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Valkyrie Fresh Catch
72 Fairhaven Ave, CO5 8BT
07791 628778

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Quality, locally landed fresh fish and seasonal marine delicacies. If you are looking to elevate a weekend stay, impress dinner guests, or plan a perfect beach picnic, they specialise in creating stunning, luxury seafood platters.

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More Mersea Island Fresh Fish and Seafood Outlets

Mersea Seafood

Bonners Barn on The Strood

A fantastic seafood stop located at Bonners Barn on the Strood offering fresh, ready-to-enjoy maritime treats, freshly caught by a local fisherman.

Mersea Island Fish Bar

37 High St, CO5 8QA

A classic chip shop serving up freshly prepared, golden fish and chips and tasty burgers for a traditional takeaway meal.

The Company Shed

129 Coast Rd, CO5 8PA

A world-famous island institution on Coast Road celebrated for its incredible eat-in or take-home fresh seafood and cooked crabs.

Richard Hawards Oysters

Mersea and London

A legendary multi-generational business on Coast Road harvesting and supplying legendary, world-class Mersea oysters both wholesale and retail.

Colchester Oyster Fishery

Pyefleet Quay, East Road

A historic fishery based at Pyefleet Quay known for supplying premium, world-renowned oysters and fine shellfish.

Monks Fish

39 Kingsland Road, CO5 8RA

A dedicated seafood spot on Kingsland Road providing a wonderful selection of fresh local catches and marine delicacies.

Dukes Seafood

Coast Rd, CO5 8NA

A popular coastal spot offering fresh, locally caught seafood platters and casual bites near the water.

Valkyrie Fresh Catch

72 Fairhaven Ave, CO5 8BT

A popular local supplier offering exceptional quality, locally landed fresh fish and seasonal seafood. Also luxury platters made to order, to collect.

Seafood at Dawn

Coast Rd, CO5 8LS

A prominent Coast Road landmark dishing up exceptionally fresh, locally caught fish and shellfish, with views of the estuary.

The Dog and Pheasant

Pubs

There are seven distinct pubs and our local British Legion spread across the island. Whether you're pulling up a chair after a walk on the sea wall or stopping off down the Coast Road, each venue offers its own unique island style.

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Fish & Seafood

Surrounded by the sea, Mersea Island boasts some of the most exceptional seafood and fresh fish in the country, anchored by our world-famous native oysters.

Eat Shop Play Mersea at Seafood at Dawn

Restaurants

We are incredibly lucky to have such a great choice of independent restaurants right on our doorstep. From a casual lunchtime bite or a special evening meal overlooking the estuary, each island spot serves up its own unique atmosphere.

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Cafes

Mersea’s café scene is 100% independent and family-run. Whether you’re stopping for breakfast or a slice of homemade cake, look below to discover our local coffee shops and tea rooms.

Eat Shop Play loves the thai fusion from Mama Cook Pop Up Truck

Takeaways

From traditional island favorites to exciting pop-up street food vans, Mersea's takeaway scene has something for everyone. Look below to find your next quick, delicious bite.

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