Oyster Quay takes its name from the Old Oyster Yard, in Hamble. Many mounds of oyster shells are to be found on the banks of the River Hamble, as oysters were once plentiful in the area.
 

Old records show that they were harvested in the 12th century and the Hamble area was renowned for the quantity and quality of its oysters. Indeed, each mid-lent from 1292, according to the archives, the monks of the Benedictine Priory of St. Andrew (now the parish of St. Andrew the Apostle) sent 20,000 of them to their brethren in Winchester!
 

Up to 1870, large fleets of oyster boats from the East Coast and beyond would visit the Hamble for the season until, alas, the beds were over-dredged and no oysters were left. The industry failed and it was nearly 100 years before any oysters returned in any remarkable quantities.
 

Many of the oyster boats would be moored here at Badnam Creek unloading their catch or waiting for a favourable tide to return to their home ports.
 

Having sampled our fare, we hope you will return soon and not just wait for a favourable tide!