I’ll be honest—if there’s seafood involved, I don’t need much convincing. But when a place starts popping up everywhere online, I feel a duty (purely selfless, of course) to go and see if it actually lives up to the hype. That’s exactly how I ended up at Oyster Shack & Seafood Bar in Waltham, tucked away near High Beach in Epping.
We played it smart and arrived at 11:30am on a Friday, just before the inevitable rush. Even then, you could feel the buzz building—people hovering, menus being scanned, that quiet anticipation of something good about to happen.
First thing to note: this is not white tablecloth dining. It’s informal, relaxed, and honestly all the better for it. You place your order at the counter, give your name, then grab a spot and wait for it to be enthusiastically shouted across the terrace when it’s ready. It’s chaotic in a fun way—like being at a really good food market.
And yes, there’s a pub right next door. So if you’re wondering about drinks… you’re sorted. Ideal setup, really.
But what makes this spot even better is the setting. It’s right in the heart of Epping Forest, so you can easily turn your visit into a full day out. Think fresh air, loads of greenery, and plenty of space to wander off the food coma afterwards. If you’ve got a dog, even better—this place is completely dog-friendly, and the surrounding forest is basically a dream for full-speed zoomies.
Now, the important bit—the food. We went all in (obviously):
Curry and Mango Prawns – sweet, spicy, and completely addictive. One of those dishes where you immediately start planning your next bite before you’ve finished chewing.
Scallops wrapped in pancetta with balsamic – rich, salty, slightly sweet… basically everything you want in two perfect mouthfuls.
Oysters (half Irish, half Maldon) – fresh, briny, and gone far too quickly. I’m always a bit greedy with oysters and this was no exception.
Lobster tail with garlic butter and two king prawns – the showstopper. Messy, indulgent, dripping in garlic butter… absolutely worth it.
Everything came out hot, fast, and packed with flavour. No fuss, just really good seafood done properly.
The vibe? Super relaxed. Picnic benches, dogs wandering about, people in sunglasses even when it’s not that sunny—it’s got that laid-back, almost coastal feel despite being nowhere near the sea.
By the time we left, the place was heaving. Queues forming, tables filling up, that classic “you got here at the right time” feeling. So yes—going early was absolutely the right call.
Final verdict? Completely lives up to the viral attention. If you love seafood even half as much as I do, it’s 100% worth the trip. Come hungry, come early, and maybe bring your walking shoes (and your dog). I’m already planning my next visit.
Oyster Shack & Seafood Bar
Epping Forest Visitor Centre
Waltham Abbey
Loughton
IG10 4AE
Instagram – oystershack_
