The second London location for upmarket seafood bar The Sea, The Sea finds its home inside a converted railway arch on Acton Mews in the buzzy neighbourhood of Hackney.
The multi-functional space serves as a specialist fishmongers and supplier for those in the trade, while everyday consumers can visit for dinner and even grab a few things to take home with them. The interiors at The Sea, The Sea Hackney are a touch darker and moodier than the original site on Chelsea’s Pavillion Road; guests walk through a low-lit ‘transition corridor’ which features shelves stocked with a glimpse into the restaurant’s wholesale processing and product development. Once they have made it through, they arrive at the chic seafood bar, which is flanked by comfy bright orange stools and allows guests to get a front row seat to the action in the kitchen.
The menu at The Sea, The Sea Hackney largely depends on what produce is available, but you can always be assured that the fish used is of high quality and fastidiously sourced - having established direct links with fishermen in Cornwall, Devon and Dorset, the restaurant buys direct from boats, collects the fish in their own vans and drives them straight to the Hackney facility to be prepared and cooked by the team. The menu also makes use of fish and live shellfish sourced from Scotland, while a few overseas specialities make an appearance too, such as abalones, gooseneck barnacles and uni.
Diners who are looking to take a piece of the restaurant home with them can take their pick from an in-house range of stocks, sauces and garums infused with executive chef Leo Carreira’s signature creative style.
The Sea, The Sea Hackney is certainly not your average seafood restaurant, but will surely draw in those who have an interest in the fishing industry and how it works.