RENAIS GIN X BENTLEY'S OYSTER SHUCKING MOTHER'S DAY MARTINI MASTERCLASS
March 2026
As the nights get lighter and we start to venture out of hiding, will oysters and martinis be the perfect combination? We like to think so!
With the first pretty blossom emerging and the evenings getting a little bit warmer, many of us are now veering away from the cold winter months of hibernation. And what better way to get in the mood than learning the art of shucking oysters at one of London’s oldest restaurants?
Bentley’s, who are hosting a Mother’s Day masterclass, will turn you into a seafood connoisseur in just an hour. All this in collaboration with Renais gin, who have created cool martinis spritzed with fresh lemon as the order of the day. The Mayfair Musings headed down to see if things were shaken not stirred…
The Event
Bentley's is located in central London, in Swallow Street just off bustling Piccadilly, and has been a go-to hotspot since 1916, becoming one of the capital's oldest and most-loved seafood restaurants. Informally known as The Grand Dame of Swallow Street, oysters and seafood are served up, sometimes daily in their thousands, to committed customers and new tourists alike.
Their latest addition, a Mother's Day oyster shucking masterclass, with Renais gin, aims to tantalise and tease the senses. The idea is simple: luxury and learning, all with delicious cocktails and conversations on top!
In groups of up to eight, you can learn the art of shucking and try a variation of oysters from Scottish, British and Irish coasts, as well as Rock and Native varieties.
If you like a martini to wash your oysters down with then look no further. You can have it straight or in one of their exquisite cocktails. While the masterclasses will be taught by expert ‘Oyster Boys,’ these lovely members of staff will also gladly quench your thirst throughout your fruits of the sea feast.
The Food
My guest and I are seafood aficionados – eating, not making, of course – so this was a great lesson to get us into the shucking zone, all whilst seated in a venue of beauty. We began our masterclass by learning the tricks of the trade.
We were informed it’s more about the angle rather than strength. That we need to imagine the oyster as a hinge turned upward, with the knife going into the seam with a firm push. I had a couple of false starts (perhaps it was the champagne!), but once I learnt the twiddle, I had many a triumph. Once you realise that the small, satisfying crack means you’re onto the good stuff, then it becomes a simple process to do.
Revealing the oyster with my guest was a delight, as each one was different to the next in texture, taste and size. Topped with a light squeeze of lemon and mignonette, we were away!
We tried a variation of British and Irish oysters, including a rare Scottish one that is strictly limited to a certain amount per year. One of our oysters was accompanied by a short, sharp shot of vodka, slowly poured into the shell. I was intrigued by the combination, worried it would be too strong for my senses, but it tasted divine!
Then arrived the Renais martini cocktails, which were cool and crisp for our palate and paired well with the seafood additions. We were seated at the bar, a great spot for people watching and getting tips from the ‘Oyster boys.’
Our experts informed us that Bentley’s has always been known as the ultimate place to come in day or night - and on occasion, they serve thousands of oysters a day!
After shucking and slurping (a wonderful combination!), we were greeted with a beautiful display of unique oysters to try, including one with a light garlicky butter sauce and another with crisp chilli onions- it would’ve been rude not to, so we indulged.
The Look
Bentley’s is conveniently located in Swallow Street, and looks like you’ve stepped back to the early century. The lights are gentle and glowing, the tables have neat spacing with crisp white table napery, and the polished brass and monogrammed napkins all add to the atmosphere.
We particularly loved sitting at the bar and striking up a conversation with a couple of people beside us.
The venue has an upstairs restaurant, as well as an abundance of outside tables, which will be perfect for dining alfresco on balmy summer nights.
The dark wood and vintage style exude the charm of a British and French venue feel and we think it would be perfect for day night or family celebrations.
When dressing for the occasion, we think relaxed formal would work; we were dressed up, not to the nines, but a smart shirt or dress would work well.
The Atmosphere
It was early evening, and diners were dotted all around the eatery. Bentley’s doesn’t have that rushed central London feel that many venues do, but instead, our waiters and oyster experts took their time so that we knew exactly what we were eating and drinking.
As the venue has different spacing, the bar dining area, upstairs restaurant and outside seating are all separate, there is vast space to relax in, while the location is on a side street, so it doesn’t have the noise of the main street.
You wouldn’t know it was right beside Piccadilly, it feels like a vacation terrace that seafood fans and cocktail lovers alike will enjoy.
