The renowned cocktail bar Café Mercy and Michelin-starred restaurant Hjem are delighted to announce a one-off collaboration “Oyster Shucking Special”; pairing fresh oysters with premium cocktails and fine wine.
On Sunday 10th November, Café Mercy will host an exclusive oyster shucking special at their Grey Street cocktail café in Newcastle Upon Tyne, featuring oysters prepared by the team at Hjem, and paired with cocktails developed by Café Mercy to serve a well-rounded experience of flavours.
This laid-back, informal event will serve 200 oysters, renowned for their perfect balance of size and flavour—offering a fresh, salty, and mineral taste that evokes clean waters of the sea. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy the oysters with two signature accompaniments: Hjem’s own house-made hot sauce and a Scandinavian-inspired pickle–a nod to Hjem’s Scandinavian roots. Oysters are limited to 200, so arriving early is encouraged.
The occasion will capture laid-back Sunday afternoon vibes, enhanced by expertly curated cocktails, handpicked wines, and magnums that add a touch of flair to the occasion.
On why Hjem chose to collaborate with Café Mercy, Martin Waugh, Hjem’s Sommelier comments: “We’ve known Neil and the team at Café Mercy for years, and their venue on Grey Street is the perfect place for us to present this type of event. It’s a bit of an oyster party—laid-back, with friends, great music, paired cocktails, and serving some of the best local produce.”
Neil Donachie, co-founder of Café Mercy commented: “We’re thrilled to collaborate with Hjem for our Oyster Shucking Special. At Café Mercy, we pride ourselves on creating experiences that bring people together over great drinks, food, and conversation. Partnering with such an incredible Michelin-starred restaurant to serve fresh oysters fits perfectly with our ethos of celebrating quality and artisanry. We can’t wait to welcome guests for a laid-back afternoon of cocktails, oysters, and good company.”
Café Mercy, located in the heart of Newcastle, is known for serving outstanding cocktails in its relaxed cafe venue. As part of the wider Mother Mercy group, which carries the accolade of a cocktail bar recognised within the top 50 in the UK, it has earned a reputation for creating cocktail bars where people can gather and enjoy top-tier drinks in welcoming, friendly settings. This partnership marks a natural extension of the close relationship between Hjem and Mother Mercy, who collaborated behind the scenes to develop a signature cocktail for Hjem’s recent collaboration with Fenwick.
In addition to the oysters, guests can enjoy exclusive wines by the glass, including a selection from Hjem’s cellar, some of which have been stored for years and will be served from magnums to add a celebratory feel. “Magnums always bring a bit of fun and a party feel,” said Martin.
Whether you are a shellfish lover, a cocktail aficionado, or simply looking for a relaxed afternoon with friends, this event promises to deliver something special.
Event Details:
- Date: 10th November 2024
- Time: Casual drop-in throughout the afternoon.
- Location: Café Mercy, 30-32 Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne
- Special Features: 200 fresh oysters, paired cocktails, wines by the glass from magnums
- Note: The serving is limited to 200 oysters, so early arrival is recommended