The Oystermen team to open new restaurant in West Dulwich

Rob Hampton and Matt Lovell, the pair behind Covent Garden seafood bar and kitchen the Oystermen, are to open a second London venue in West Dulwich in January.

Named Walter's after Walter Hathaway, a local master milliner, costumier and first owner of the Park Hall Road address, the bar and restaurant will offer a menu of British-inspired classics.

Head chef Khalid Hassan (formerly of Social Eating House, L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon and Murano) has designed a menu of hearty dishes made with British produce. Snacks will include trout skin with a cod roe dip and truffle arancini, with starters and small plates such as a Bloody Mary crab salad; apricot and harissa glazed lamb belly; and Jerusalem artichoke orzo risotto.

Mains will include roasted venison loin and parsnip; and roasted hake with romesco sauce along with spiced cabbage and a slow cooked duck egg. To finish, there will be a chocolate delice with brown butter ice cream, while seasonally-changing sharing dishes will join the menu on Sundays with the likes of ox cheek and mushroom pie on the opening menu.

The venue’s antique bar will focus on offering an accessible, considered wine list, as well as whiskies from around the world.

Seating 50, Walter’s will be split into a front dining room and a lounge area to the rear. The restaurant will also have its own wine cellar used for wine tastings led by the founders and private events.

Hampton and Lovell said: “We have had such a journey since opening the Oystermen, our first bricks and mortar site just over four years ago. Walter’s feels like a very natural next step for us, we are moving down south, to a neighbourhood we know and love. We can’t wait to create a spot for people to relax and enjoy great food at any time of day.”

The site was formerly a Café Rouge.