The Sea, The Sea to open bistro and fish shop

Alex Hunter's The Sea, The Sea, the seafood bar and fishmongers in Chelsea, is opening a bistro and fish shop opposite its original outpost.

Founded by Hunter in 2019, The Sea, The Sea became known for serving seafood straight from the source while also supplying some of London’s restaurants, including Ikoyi and KOL.

The new The Sea, The Sea will be opening in May as a bistro-style seafood restaurant, as well as with an expanded retail offering.

The upstairs bistro will seat 40 guests. At the helm of the kitchen is head chef Nick Marsden, who honed his career at restaurants including Dovetale, Pitt Cue and Charlie Mellor's The Laughing Heart. 

"It’s been an incredible and rewarding seven years seeing the response to The Sea, The Sea, and now being able to expand the business with this exciting new chapter," says Hunter. "I love being in Chelsea, and so when the opportunity to open in a bigger site on Pavilion Road came along, it made perfect sense. The Sea, The Sea has always been a stage to showcase our talented team and ethos of working with ethically sourced seafood direct from the best small boats of our shores."

Catch of the day 

From hand dived scallops to line caught bass, Marsden will showcase underused hidden gems as well as the better known favourites.

Guests can expect small plates such as Cuttlefish, pickled salsify and cauliflower purée or Confit sea trout, white asparagus and mustard greens. Larger dishes come from the grill, featuring the likes of Skate wing, Trombetta courgette, nettle and Gordal olives; Grilled half Cornish lobster with Vin Jaune sabayon and brown butter; and sharing dishes of Whole plaice, braised punterelle, broad beans and mint. 

Visitors will be greeted by an abundance of seafood when entering the shop. Outside, The Sea, The Sea’s new home will feature a 28-cover terrace.

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