FAQs
Our frequently asked questions are regularly updated for our most common customer queries.
Orders & Shipping
Can I order oysters for Christmas?
Yes! Our final delivery date before Christmas is the 23rd December. For New Year, it is the 30th December.
Can I place an order over the phone?
No, unfortunately we cannot do this. All orders must be placed via our website.
I'm trying to order for Christmas but there are no available slots. Am I still able to place an order?
Unfortunately not. Once we reach capacity, we cannot take any extra orders. Please order ASAP if you want oysters for Christmas.
Can I change my order once it has been placed?
Yes. You can adjust your order by adding on products or reducing it by emailing us at richardhawardsoysters@gmail.com and someone will respond to you as soon as possible.
What days do you deliver?
We deliver on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. You need to order by 10am the previous day to qualify for next day delivery. However, if you live in London and are able to, you can collect from Borough Market 5 days a week which is also free. Deliveries will arrive by 4pm on your delivery date.
How will my oysters arrive?
Your oysters will be packed in a chilled liner, along with reusable icepacks, a recyclable box and a guide on how to store them.
Can I order the oysters to arrive pre-shucked?
Unfortunately not. Legally, our oysters must be shipped alive. Oysters must also be consumed within 60 minutes of being shucked.
Where do you deliver in the UK?
We are pleased to offer delivery nationwide.
Do you have a minimum spend?
Yes, we have a minimum spend of £16.00 for home delivery. There is no minimum spend for collection from Borough Market or Mersea Island.
How long will my oysters take to arrive?
Your oysters should arrive on the day of your delivery date, however, deliveries may take up to 48 hours. Our oysters are packed and shipped in air tight packaging along with ice packs. APC will be delivering your order.
Who will be delivering my oysters?
As a small business, it is logistically impossible for us to deliver nationwide. We use APC as our courier service. When your package is shipped, we will provide you with a tracking number and if there are any issues with delivery, you can contact APC Monday - Friday on 0800 37 37 37.
My order has not arrived, what do I do?
When your oysters are shipped, we will provide you with a tracking number for your order and a phone number for APC. Please check this on the day of your delivery and phone them if there are any problems. As a small business, it is impossible for us to manage the logistics. You must track your own order or call the courier company with the phone number provided.
Can I collect oysters?
We have a new collection point on Mersea Island if you're local and, of course, Borough Market. Our collection point on Mersea Island is from Tuesday-Friday and you can choose a time slot between 10am-2pm. You can collect oysters from Borough Market 5 days a week. Throughout the year opening times may change, but you can check the current opening hoursh
Is there a cut off time for next day delivery?
Yes, the cut off time is 10.00am.
How much is shipping?
Shipping costs £7.50 and we have a minimum order of £16.00. You can collect our oysters for free from Borough Market and Mersea Island.
Borough Market
Can I book a table at Borough Market?
We do not take bookings at Borough Market. Tables can be used on a ‘first come, first served basis’.
Can I pay by card at Borough Market?
Yes, we accept card and cash payments.
Can I collect oysters?
You can collect oysters from Borough Market 5 days a week. Throughout the year opening times may change, make sure to check our opening times.
What are your opening times?
Sunday: 10am — 4pm
Tuesday - Friday: 10am — 5pm
Saturday: 9am — 5pm
Monday: CLOSED
Our oysters
How long will my oysters last?
Rock oysters have a 7 day shelf life and native oysters have a 5 day shelf life.
I’ve never shucked oysters before. Is it difficult to learn?
It’s not easy, nor is it difficult. It requires patience, a tea-towel and a good shucking knife! There is a tutorial video on our website that you canview here.
Where are the oysters from?
We farm our oysters on Mersea Island in Essex. We sell rock (gigas) oysters all year round and native oysters from September to April. For more information about our family business,click here.
How should I store my oysters?
Our oysters are always shipped in air tight packaging and are packed with ice packs. Oysters and clams should be stored somewhere cool, preferably in a fridge and we recommend not opening the box until you are ready to consume them. Once shucked, our oysters should be eaten within 60 minutes.
