Amsterdam’s Seafood Bar to open first international site in London

11 June 2021

This August sees the arrival of The Seafood Bar to the heart of London’s restaurant scene, within a 1730 Grade II listed Georgian townhouse on Dean Street, Soho.

This is the family-run restaurant group’s fifth site, and their first international venture outside the Netherlands. This award-winning restaurant group, famous for its long waiting lines, offers guests the freshest seafood, without the high price tag.

After over a year of lockdowns and with four in five people in the UK confirming their eagerness to return to dining out earlier this year (CGA 2021 Hospitality Consumer Forecast, February), the official opening of The Seafood Bar at the start of August is perfectly timed for guests to freely explore what is new and exciting in the capital’s food scene this summer. The restaurant is keen to welcome guests safely, and will introduce measures in line with Government regulations.

Woodfever, designers of SUSHISAMBA in Amsterdam, alongside Fons de Visscher, are bringing the signature clean, crisp, and yet comfortable style they have showcased across all four Seafood Bar locations, to the new London destination. The restaurant spans two floors comprising 190 covers, with stunning white marble fixtures throughout. Whether you are looking to relax over a leisurely lunch on banquets or to take front row seats at the open kitchen for dinner, there is an area in this casual restaurant for every dining occasion. Guests can even view and discuss today’s catch with specialist chefs at the downstairs seafood bar.

As dusk falls, the basement transforms into a buzzing bar. Revellers can sample a finger food selection at the bar with a cocktail or a glass from the robust wine list, or attend an exciting monthly schedule of events that will include late night oyster parties.

The Seafood Bar founding family is made up of the father Fons de Visscher (direct translation is the fisherman), and his son and daughter, Pepijn and Fleur. Fons de Visscher grew his knowledge and expertise in the industry working as a respected fishmonger in Helmond; a small city in the Netherlands. After 27 years honing his craft and imparting his knowledge to his family, together they decided to start a new venture; The Seafood Bar. The first restaurant opened its doors in 2012 in the fashionable neighbourhood of Oud Zuid in Amsterdam. Since then, the love for The Seafood Bar has shown no signs of lessening, and all restaurants in the group embody the de Visscher family’s passion for outstanding food and wine, serving delectable, sustainable seafood to their guests.

The restaurants live by the ‘Lekkerbek’ philosophy (what might seem simple on the outside, is complicated on the inside), with simple dishes on the menu which allow the fish to speak for itself. All feature the freshest, seasonal produce, with shellfish taking the limelight. Signature serves in London will include the following firm favourites:

An array of quality wines from across the world are paired with The Seafood Bar menu, including Ruinart Champagne, Austrian Grüner Veltliner, and Provençal rosé wines.

Sustainable seafood is at the heart of The Seafood Bar. The de Visschers have huge respect for the environment and maintain close relationships with producers to ensure all seafood is sourced ethically and sustainably. Most recently, The Seafood Bar partnered with Nordic Blu to source the world’s most sustainably farmed salmon. Nordic Blu has been awarded the Seafood Watch authority’s highest rating.

The founding family not only looks to contribute to the preservation of healthy fish stocks by sourcing sustainably, they are also making other changes to minimise the restaurants’ environmental impact. All restaurants run on wind energy, and the group’s zero waste policy means that no fish goes to waste.

Founders of The Seafood Bar, the De Visscher family, commented on the new opening: “It’s our dream to bring our guests incredible seafood, and we are living that dream. We fell in love with London a long time ago, and we’re very excited we’ve finally arrived.”
77 Dean Street , London W1D 3SH

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