£1 Oysters London: Oyster Happy Hour in Paddington

Maldon rock oysters for £1 each, every Friday and Saturday evening at Smith's Bar & Grill, Paddington Central, with live music from 7pm.

If you are looking for cheap oysters in London without the usual compromise, this is it. One pound an oyster, shucked to order at the bar, served with mignonette and lemon. No minimum, no gimmick, no queue for a wristband.

When the Oyster Happy Hour Runs

Every Friday and Saturday evening from 6pm, at the bar. Walk-ins are welcome and most people do just turn up, but Fridays fill quickly, so reserve a spot if you want to be certain of one. Live music starts at 7pm, so the oysters are the warm-up.

The Oysters

Maldon rock oysters, from the Blackwater estuary in Essex. Cold, clean and properly briny.

Order three, order a dozen, order more. At £1 each, most people order more.

What to Drink With Them

A glass of something sparkling, a cold Chablis, or a martini if that is the sort of evening it is going to be. There is a full cocktail and wine list if you are settling in and 2 for 1 cocktails run until midnight on Friday and Saturday.

Live Music

A singer with a guitar plays acoustic pop and jazz from 7pm to 10pm on both nights, a different performer each week. There is no cover charge and nothing to book. The musician is in the restaurant and you can hear them at the bar, which turns a quick dozen oysters into an actual evening out. If you would rather be in the room with the music, book a table for dinner. More about live music.

Where to Find Us

Smith's Bar & Grill, 25 Sheldon Square, Paddington Central, London W2 6EY. The bar looks out over the Grand Union Canal and in warmer months the canal-side terrace opens up alongside it.

A short walk from Paddington Station, five minutes from Paddington Basin and an easy walk from Edgware Road, Warwick Avenue and Little Venice along the towpath. Full directions.

Not an Oyster Person?

The bar menu also runs to hot platter, charcuterie board, calamari and more snacks. The full restaurant menu is available too if you would rather sit down properly.

Reserve a table What's on

Frequently Asked Questions

Every Friday and Saturday evening from 6pm, at the bar.

Maldon rock oysters from the Blackwater estuary in Essex, shucked to order and served with mignonette and lemon.

There's no minimum or maximum, order as much or as little as you like, subject to availability.

Walk-ins are welcome, but the bar fills up on Fridays and Saturday. Come early or reserve a spot at the bar to be certain.

Yes. A singer and guitarist plays acoustic pop and jazz in the restaurant from 7pm to 10pm every Friday and Saturday, with no cover charge. You can hear it from the bar.

At the bar, rather than at restaurant tables. In warmer months the terrace above the canal opens up alongside it.

Sparkling wine by the glass, a cold Chablis, or a martini. Ask the bar team and they will steer you. There is also a 2 for 1 cocktails running until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

The bar menu also runs to chicken bites, beef croquettes, truffle and parmesan chips and more. The full restaurant menu is available if you would rather sit down.