‘’Life is too short to not have oysters and champagne sometimes” - Christie Brinkley

The Luxury Travel Bible has found the ideal gift for your Valentine especially as Oysters are said to be an aphrodisiac!

One of London’s oldest restaurants, Wiltons are hosting a limited number of its sought-after Oyster Masterclasses in 2023. Hosted by the acclaimed and charming Oyster Master, Tommaso Sicurro the masterclass is described as being an ‘opportunity for the curious, the novice and the aficionado to join us in busting the myths that surround opening and eating oysters’.

There is no better place in London to indulge in oyster knowledge than Wiltons. The restaurant is synonymous with oysters having received a Royal Warrant in 1836 for supplying oysters to Queen Victoria and staff opening between 400-500 oysters each day. 

The Masterclass takes place at the bar which is full of atmosphere being located just across from Winston Churchill’s preferred table and is surrounded by beautiful artwork of past patrons and former front of house staff. 

Following a welcome glass of Wiltons Cuvée, Tommaso led an extremely interesting and informative talk about Wiltons, facts about oysters and how to consume them as they were being shucked in front of us.

Participants of the Masterclass are presented with a range of oysters from around the British Isles. As we worked our way around the plate an animated discussion started amongst the group about the differences between each variety. We were reassured by Tommaso that oysters, like wine, are down to personal preference and taste so all of our opinions were valid. 

Next was a platter of half a dozen dressed oysters, including traditional styles such as a Rockefeller to a Wiltons’ own creation ‘Beau Brummel’ (named after the 19th century English Dandy, his statue stands proudly outside the restaurant on Jermyn Street).

My favourite from the Masterclass? The Oyster ‘Christian Dior’. Created by the man himself from his 1972 cookbook ‘La Cuisine Cousu-Main’ and made with sherry, cream and truffle. It is as decadent as it sounds and utterly delicious!

The 90-minute Masterclasses take place at 6 pm on the first Monday of each month in the traditional period for eating oysters in the UK, during months with an ‘r’ in them. 

The Masterclasses includes an informal yet informative presentation, a dozen oysters (six raw and six dressed), a glass of champagne, and two glasses of sommelier-selected white wine for £85 per person.

Luxury Link: www.wiltons.co.uk