Whether you're a local or are visiting the UK capital for the first time, Greenwich holds plenty of appeal. Located south of the River Thames, this attractive London neighbourhood has a more laid-back feel than the city centre, packed with places to see, shop, and eat. The area also has more than its fair share of museums. The foodie scene here also gives you another reason to visit - and the waterside location ensures fish is something of a local specialty.From riverside dining to some of the best museums globally, this guide lists top reasons to enjoy seafood in Greenwich.
5 Reasons to Enjoy Seafood in Greenwich
1. The River Thames
The location of Greenwich surely makes the idea of tucking into the freshest seafood very appealing indeed. This part of London lies just south of the River Thames, and there are plenty of pubs and restaurants to choose from if you want to dine with a view over the water. With public transport services, sightseeing cruisers, and other vessels plying the river, there’s always something interesting to see. Arriving by boat is a great way to get to Greenwich, too, and you can take the short trip from central London locations like Canary Wharf or Westminster.
As well as the boats sailing along the Thames, you can, of course, feast your eyes on the London skyline. And if you want to spend more time by the river while in Greenwich, try following the route of the Thames Path on foot, or the National Cycle Network route. Getting some fresh air and exercise while following these traffic-free routes is also the ideal way to work up an appetite for a seafood feast.
2. The National Maritime Museum
Did you know that Greenwich is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site? The National Maritime Museum in Greenwich is part of the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site, and also one of the Royal Museums Greenwich. All those stories of seafaring are guaranteed to whet your appetite for the freshest seafood.
This is one impressive museum, it must be said. Not only is it the biggest of its kind on the planet, but also a key venue if you want to delve into British history. Visit and you can learn about the Royal Navy and discover how Brits have explored the world via its oceans. You can also take a deep dive into the life of heroic Admiral Horatio Nelson, and even see the uniform he wore during the Battle of Trafalgar.
3. Fresh Local Produce
Whether you want to cook your meal or prefer to be served locally sourced produce at a pub or restaurant, Greenwich is one of the best places in London for fresh foodstuffs. Many cafés, pubs, and restaurants in the borough pride themselves on serving dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.
The proximity of Greenwich to the water means that tucking into fresh fish and seafood can be one of the real pleasures of visiting this part of the UK capital. If enjoying fish and chips, oysters, or prawn cocktails at one of the eateries leaves you hankering for more, you can always pick up supplies at a local fishmonger, grocery store, or at Greenwich Market on weekends.
4. The Cutty Sark
Another of the Royal Museums Greenwich well worth visiting is the Cutty Sark. This distinctive boat is the sole surviving extreme clipper on the planet. Its design features include a sharply defined bow for cutting smoothly through the waves, a long and slender hull, and a trio of raking masts.
The Cutty Sark was a tea clipper built in Scotland in 1869 and was named after a witch’s shirt featured in a Robert Burns poem. As well as transporting tea between Britain and China for several years, the boat was used for other cargo, including Australian wool. She also spent time helping to train naval cadets before her retirement.
This historic ship is fun for the whole family to explore. It’s an interactive experience, too, where you can clamber on deck, see the crew quarters beneath, and even get your hands on the wheel. Once more, the maritime theme is sure to leave you keen to get your mouth around some salty, succulent seafood.
5. £1 Oysters at The Oystercatcher
Where: Kings Lodge, Victoria Parade, Greenwich, SE10 9FR
When: £1 oysters available on Thursdays; lunch and dinner served daily
Why: Dine indoors or out at this stylish, versatile pub and restaurant by the river
Where better to sample fresh oysters than at The Oystercatcher pub and seafood restaurant in Greenwich? Our smart riverside venue offers a spacious outdoor terrace by New Capital Quay. As well as a range of dining spaces and menus, you can snap up oysters for only £1 each on Thursdays. Which, it must be said, is an absolute steal.
In addition to the al fresco dining space by the water, our lovely pub offers both upstairs and downstairs dining areas, each with its own dedicated menu. There are also separate Sunday lunch, bottomless brunch, and Saturday lunch menus, as well as plenty of choice when it comes to drinks, desserts, and children’s meals. It’s the perfect location for any occasion, whether you drop in for a quick drink, linger over a delicious meal, or are looking for a wedding venue in Greenwich.
Other seafood highlights on the menus include salt and pepper squid, eggs royale with smoked salmon, soft shell crab burgers, beer battered fish fingers, smoked salmon, yellowfin tuna, Scottish mussels, and the signature prawn cocktail.
Why not pay The Oystercatcher a visit sometime soon, when you’re spending time south of the river? Book your table today and experience the joy of riverside dining.