Devonshire Road Seafood Bar Plans Expansion
Whistling Oyster hoping to convert upper floor for extra seating
The Whistling Oyster has proven to be a popular venue since opening
March 19, 2023
A seafood bar in Chiswick is planning an expansion in what is a rare bit of good news for the hospitality sector.
The Whistling Oyster wants to convert the first floor above its premises on Devonshire Road into an area providing seating for around 14 more patrons as well as a preparation area and counter.
It has submitted an application for a change of use (P/2023/0620) to Hounslow Council from residential to commercial. A report submitted with the application states that it can be ‘demonstrated robustly’ that there would be no additional impact on neighbouring properties.
Opened less than a year ago by four friends from Chiswick) Rob Gillon, Bonnie Telford, John Robinson and Sasha Mantel), who shared a love of fish, cooking and British wines, the shop and seafood bar is already proving to be popular.
Part traditional Fishmongers, part neighbourhood seafood bar, The Whistling Oyster aims to put British produce, sustainability and community at the heart of everything it does.
Along with an abundance of fresh seafood, The Whistling Oyster also stocks lots of deli items, ranging from smoked anchovies to garlic mayonnaise, to locally baked sourdough baguettes. The wine and drinks list is 100% British with over 3000 bottles of British wine sold so far.
Since opening the business has gone from 2 full time employees and 2 part time employees to 7 full time and 5 part time with more staff to be taken on as the weather gets warmer.
Other businesses in the area believe it has made a significant contribution to helping revive Devonshire Road after the pandemic. Colin Clegg at Old Town Deli says, “It’s been fantastic to have the lovely team at the Whistling Oyster open on the corner. We’ve noticed a lot more footfall and people stopping by for coffees since they have opened. We’re delighted to have them contribute to such an exciting street in Chiswick.”
The Whistling Oyster currently has a pavement license for 16 covers outside and room for 12 covers inside. The outside trade is key for the business and during the colder months it is having to turn custom away.
The ability to open upstairs would allow it to take reservations and they say approve would secure 2 more full time roles and 2 part time roles.
In its submission it states, “We believe the application to approve the change of use so we can have a seated area on the first floor would be a huge positive for supporting small business, the local economy along with the wider British food and drink suppliers who more than ever need support.
If you wish to see more details about the proposals or make a comment, visit the planning section of the Hounslow Council web site and search for reference P/2023/0620.
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