Standing tall amongst the dunes behind Broad Beach is the striking glass-fronted Oyster Catcher restaurant. The Oyster Catcher, Anglesey, is widely-regarded as Rhosneigr’s finest establishment and has been serving up sumptuous dishes since it first opened its doors in 2010.
The restaurant’s menu is brimming with fresh, locally-sourced produce and the team of chefs are passionate about using only the finest ingredients to create mouth-watering dishes. The focus on quality extends to the wine list, which has been expertly curated to complement the food.
The Oyster Catcher has become a landmark in its own right, and if you’re spending any time on Anglesey, then booking a table at this multifaceted restaurant is a must. But before we tell you about the culinary delights on offer, let’s delve a little into the background of this memorable establishment.
The Oyster Catcher Background
Believe it or not, The Oyster Catcher actually started life back in the mid-20th century as the Maelog Lake Hotel.
However, when the owners, Dennis and Elsie Clutton, decided to shut up shop in the late 1970s, the site slowly fell into a state of disrepair until the Timpson family (of retail and philanthropy fame) stumbled upon the derelict building after a period of successfully running the nearby White Eagle pub at Rhoscolyn.
After much negotiation with Angelsey County Council, the Timpson family managed to get planning to demolish the old hotel and replace it with an ultra-modern Huf Haus-inspired restaurant, which opened in 2010.
The striking glass and timber-clad building boast many environmentally-friendly features, including a series of boreholes with a ground source heat pump to provide hot water and heating and cutting-edge software that keeps energy use to a minimum.
In keeping with the benevolent ethos of Timpson-run businesses, the site served as the base for the Timpson Chef’s Academy for five years, helping disadvantaged youths kick-start their career in the hospitality industry.
In 2016, after the death of Alex Timpson, the site (along with the White Eagle) was sold to 16 Hospitality to run. However, after five years of custodianship of Anglesey’s premier eateries, the company went into administration at the onset of the pandemic (April 2020).
As freeholders for both sites, the Timpson family decided to step back in and retake the reigns, saving over 100 jobs in the process. Today, The Oyster Catcher is run by Flock Inns Ltd., owned and operated by Roisin Timpson, the wife of current Timpson CEO James Timpson.
Why Visit The Oyster Catcher?
The Oyster Catcher has not become one of the most popular pubs/restaurants on the island by accident. The passionate chef team focus on seasonal, fresh produce and the ever-changing menu has something to tantalise everyone’s taste buds. From locally-sourced meat to oysters caught fresh from the Menai Strait, The Oyster Catcher is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious meal.
The restaurant also boasts one of the most impressive beers and wine lists on Anglesey, with each tipple having been expertly selected to perfectly complement the flavours of the food. The drinks menu also includes an excellent selection of cocktails, beers and spirits – and includes guest ales and resident lagers from the award-winning Cheshire Brewery and Conwy Brewery.
However, what really differentiates this place from other Anglesey establishments is its multifaceted nature. There’s a restaurant, an impressive terrace with heated beach huts, a downstairs bar, a food shack, an outdoor caravan bar, and an extensive beer garden.
Plus, unusually for a “posh pub”, it’s a dog-friendly eatery, making it popular with both locals and tourists alike. Your four-legged friend can even expect a bowl of water and a treat if they’re well behaved!
Whether you’re looking for a romantic meal, a night out with friends, or just a quick bite to eat after playing all day on one of Rhosneigr’s many beaches, The Oyster Catcher has you covered.
What’s on the Menu at The Oyster Catcher?
There’s something for everyone on the menu at The Oyster Catcher. From locally-reared steak to oysters and mussels fresh out of the Menai Strait to hand-stretched pizzas and filthy fires from Pat’s Food Shack. The fish and chips here also come highly recommended. There’s also a children’s menu with burgers, pasta, and chicken dishes.
The seasonal menu is constantly changing and showcases the best of British cuisine, with a focus on locally-sourced, fresh produce.
On the drinks side, you’ve got Will’s Bar and the Dune Bar to choose from, which both offer an extensive selection of cocktails, beers, spirits, and wines.
Do You Need to Book a Table at The Oyster Catcher?
As one of Anglesey’s most popular eateries, booking in advance is advisable, especially if you want to eat in the restaurant. That said, if the weather is set fair, the terrace opens from noon daily and operates on a first-come-first-served basis, with no bookings taken.
Making a reservation becomes essential during the summer holiday season and during other popular holiday periods such as the Bank Holiday weekends in May.
Where is The Oyster Catcher Located? How Do I Get There?
The Oyster Catcher is located on the outskirts of Rhosneigr opposite Maelog Lake, nestled in the dune system directly behind Traeth Llydan (Broad Beach). If you happen to be on any of the Rhosneigr beaches, including the likes of Porth Nobla, you can simply walk a few minutes through the dunes to reach this pub-cum-restaurant.
If you’re travelling by car, you can follow the directions below.
From the A55 Expressway, take Junction 5 (signposted for Rhosneigr).
Follow the A4080 as it winds through a few small hamlets before arriving at Bryn Du.
Turn right and continue along the A4080 (signposted Rhosneigr) until you see the distinctive Oyster Catcher building on the left-hand side and the lake on the right-hand side.
Look for The Oyster Catcher signage board and take the left-hand turn into the car park.
The Oyster Catcher Anglesey FAQs
Is The Oyster Catcher Anglesey Dog-Friendly?
Yes, The Oyster Catcher is one of the many dog-friendly pubs on the Isle of Anglesey. There are even treats and water bowls for your pup available upon request.
Do You Need to Book a Table at The Oyster Catcher?
While you don’t need to book a table if you’re eating on the terrace, we recommend booking in advance if you want to eat in the restaurant, especially during peak times such as summer and bank holidays.
What’s The Oyster Catcher’s Postcode?
The postcode for The Oyster Catcher, Anglesey, is LL64 5JP.
Does The Oyster Catcher Offer Vegetarian and Vegan Options?
Yes, there are plenty of vegetarian dishes, and there are a limited number of vegan options. The menu is seasonal, so the selection changes regularly.
What Are The Opening Hours for The Oyster Catcher Anglesey?
The Oyster Catcher’s opening hours are as follows:
Restaurant: Daily from 12 pm
Terrace: Daily from 12 noon (No booking required, first come, first served)
Will’s Bar: Daily 10 am till late
Pat’s Shack: Daily 12 pm – 9 pm (Weather dependent)
Dune Bar: Opens based on weather and demand
I’m Visiting The Oyster Catcher Anglesey. What Else is There to Do in The Area?
An excellent question. The Oyster Catcher Anglesey is located on the outskirts of Rhosneigr, which is a beautiful seaside village on the Isle of Anglesey. It’s surrounded by award-winning beaches, so it’s the perfect place to come if you’re looking to spend the day enjoying sand and sea. The village itself also has plenty of shops, cafes, and pubs if you fancy a change of scenery.
We would recommend earning your meal by taking a stroll around the beautiful Llyn Maelog (Maelog Lake), which is directly opposite The Oyster Catcher and is one of the most beautiful designated village greens in all of Wales. The Anglesey Coastal Path also runs within a few hundred metres of this establishment if you want to burn off the hundreds of calories you’ve just consumed!
Is The Oyster Catcher Accessible?
The Oyster Catcher is accessible for guests with disabilities and mobility issues. The main building is split over two levels with a lift to the disabled toilet upstairs.
Who Owns The Oyster Catcher?
The Oyster Catcher is once again under the stewardship of the Timpson family after the previous owners, 16 Hospitality, entered administration in 2020. The pub forms part of the Flock Inns group, which includes the White Eagle at Rhoscolyn and The Patridge at Stretton, Warrington.
*Photo credits: Oyster Catcher, Sarah Walker, Chris Rigby, Ewan Armitage