Cockles - locally caught from Leigh-on-Sea - Fresh daily at our Essex Oyster Company restaurant

Famous Leigh-on-Sea Cockles hail from the coastal waters of Leigh-on-Sea, Essex in England. A taste of the exquisite flavours that the English North sea has to offer. This small, plump and fragrant shellfish is a beloved seafood delicacy, celebrated for their briny freshness. They are still traditionally hand-harvested from the nutrient-rich estuary of London’s famous river Thames, as it exits to the sea at the Thames Delta. Loved by both Cockneys and Essex girls and boys alike, they’re treasured for their tender texture and sweet oceanic flavour. Our careful selection and preparation process ensures that each Cockle encapsulates the very essence of the Essex coastal waters that this shellfish calls home!

Versatile Seafood ingredient

Tantalising both your eyes and taste buds alike, with their beautiful pale shells and succulent meat, they are a versatile ingredient. Whether served in a seafood paella, tossed into a flavourful linguine, or enjoyed with a zesty squeeze of lemon, these fresh Essex cockles bring a touch of coastal sophistication to your table.

The cultural and historical significance of Leigh-on-Sea adds an extra layer of charm to them, as they connect diners to the rich maritime heritage of this English region. Sustainability is right at the forefront of the harvesting process, reflecting a commitment to ethically preserving the local coastal ecosystem.

Fine dining experience

So why not indulge your taste buds with the bracing essence of the sea with these Cockles, a delectable culinary delight transporting your imagination to the picturesque coastal landscapes of Essex. Elevate your fine dining experience with these delectable shellfish, and savour an authentically British taste of the sea!

More on the humble Cockle

They are, of course, bivalve molluscs, found in estuaries right round the British coastline, their pretty shells are comprised of two hinged parts protecting their soft body. A cockle can only live-in salt water, burying themselves just under the sand of the sea bed. They feed on oceanic plankton by filtering seawater through their shells.

Their heart shaped shells contain a small and delicate morsel of flesh that can be eaten raw, steamed or boiled, offering a delicious salty flavour. Traditionally they are served alongside laver bread, and often bacon, as part of the famous Welsh Breakfast. They can be enjoyed simply as a seaside snack too, but cockles are wonderful in various other dishes too. Being low in fat and high in protein provides healthy benefits for your heart, immune system, blood and thyroid by promoting antioxidant activity.

Cockles are always available to purchase, freshly cooked, in our seafood and shellfish restaurant located in Bowers Gifford in southern Essex, near to the river Thames.

TYPICAL VALUES PER 100G

NUTRITION:

Energy 217kJ / 52kcal

Protein 8.5g

Carbohydrate 1g

Fat 0.47g

MICRONUTRIENTS:

TYPICAL VALUES PER 100G

Vitamin B12 47µg

Iodine 160µg

Omega 3 EPA/DHA 0.28g

Iron 28mg

Selenium 43µg

Copper 0