Richard Haward's Oysters

Refreshing Oyster Delights at Borough Market!

Richard Haward’s Oysters at Borough Market boasts an impressive reputation among some oyster aficionados with its fresh shucks and vibrant market setting. Fans of the stall laud it for providing sizable and flavorful mollusks, suggesting their pricing is reasonable for premium quality. Diners celebrate a lively atmosphere, sipping on bubbly under London’s summer skies, and diving into the rich offerings of medium and large oysters delicately doused in lemon juice or Tabasco. Seasoned visitors note a varied selection and commend enthusiastic chefs who hold court at the charmingly bustling counter.

Nevertheless, a shadow looms over Richard Haward’s business, as a surge of less-than-rosy reports expose troubling food safety concerns. Several patrons, after indulging in what they initially described as delightful options, later suffered bouts of severe illness—symptoms hinting at food poisoning seemingly traced back to these marine refreshments. Complaints of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea echo throughout similar stories, suggesting that an otherwise picturesque dining escapade may have come at a great, and not always palatable cost. The owners’ condiment array includes hot sauce and shallot vinaigrette perchance to complement or conceal; regardless, more vigilance addressing sea-worthy threats to consumer health is markedly apparent and urgent. — Audrey Al Dente