Amazing seafood by one of Wales’ best beaches

Pan-fried seabass, rich lobster tails, and native oysters slurped straight from the shell - Wales is having an absolute moment when it comes to seafood. Portia Jones reports

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THE frothing clear waters of coastal Wales are home to a well-stocked seafood larder where you'll find laver seaweed, lobster, crabs, prawns and edible plants, and the fishing community is keen to keep the best of the haul for the local market.

That means restaurants, cafes, and innovative popups can take advantage of our coastal bounty and serve showstopping seafood dishes piled high with Welsh lobster, crab, mussels and scallops.

As a hungry writer, I’m always keen to try a seafood supper, especially one from an indie venture, so when I heard there was a seafood popup near one of Wales’ best beaches, I knew I had to get stuck in. I hopped in the car with my obliging husband and headed to Southerndown in the Vale of Glamorgan to see it for myself.

The Rock and Scallop is located in the outdoor area of the Three Golden Cups pub and campsite. It's a laid-back, maritime-themed shack where father-and-son duo Mathew and Cory Williams are making waves with their Instagrammable seafood platters.

The Rock and Scallop started as a lockdown pivot.

"We saw a gap in the market for beautifully presented seafood using quality British produce,” Mathew explains.

What began as home deliveries of seafood platters around south Wales soon snowballed into a thriving business that utilises British produce where possible.

"Our commitment to quality and freshness has always been at the heart of what we do," says Mathew. “By sourcing from day boats off the Cornish and Welsh coasts, we ensured our customers received the freshest and highest quality seafood as quickly as possible.”

But this isn’t your average Welsh popup. Mathew brings serious credentials to the table.

"I’ve worked in Wales’ top restaurants, even Michelin-starred ones," he says. “Cooking great fish is an art, and I love what I do.”