Our History

We have a range of spaces each offering a different dining experience at Bentley's.

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Since 1916

The Grand Dame of Swallow Street

Bentley’s has been serving its fish and chips and feeding the hungry shopping masses for over 100 years, a haven for fresh oysters, grilled fish and steaks from around the British & Irish Isles and has been under the watchful eye of Chef Richard Corrigan for the past 10 years.

For over 100 years the foremost and the fashionable have been dropping in. A light lunch of langoustines, a dozen oysters and a flute of fizz with friends, before the theatre. The Oyster Bar is relaxed, and witty but serious about seafood. Our oyster boys are more chilled than a dozen of Loch Ryan’s finest, resting on a bed of chopped ice.

Upstairs, the Grill serves suppers that sing out for themselves. Wild Cornish mussels followed by seared sea bass or roast grouse – for example – presented amidst décor that recalls William Morris, blue leather, warm wood and fish art on the wall.

Experience it for Yourself

Richard Corrigan outside Bentley's

Richard Corrigan & Bentley's

"In 2005 Richard bought and refurbished the historical Bentley’s, established in 1916, and celebrated its centenary in 2016. One of London’s most famous oyster bar and seafood restaurants, legendary clients included Charlie Chaplin and Oscar Wilde.

Expect to find on the menu Corrigan’s signature dishes such as fish pie, dressed crab,
linguine vongole and a rich variety of wild oysters sourced from England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. During peak season, Bentley’s famous Oyster Boys shuck up to 1,000 oysters daily. Hands-on experience can be enjoyed with monthly seafood cookery and oyster masterclasses."

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historic photo of the Bentley's family

The Bentley Family

"We have a lot to thank Bill Bentley for. As his name suggested, he was Bentley's original founder and came from humble beginnings. His family ran an oyster bed and sold oysters from a barrow by the pier in Clacton-on-Sea. Wanting to expand the family business, he opened a brick-and-mortar site in the heart of Piccadilly, London, to bring oysters and the freshest seafood to The Capital's high society. And so Bentley's Oyster Bar was born.

It remains a seafood institution where diners feel relaxed and genuinely cared for. On gaining the keys, it was crucial to Richard that he and his new team upheld the historical hallmarks of Bentley's Oyster Bar. Still known for its oysters, many visit the legendary Bentley's Oyster Boys, who shuck over 1000 oysters daily."

Experience Bill's Legacy