3rd Sep 2008 - 00:00
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Armanado Lema of Coastline – La Brocca in St John's Wood, London, has been crowned with the Tabasco British Oyster Opener of the Year title.
The champion opened 30 Loch Ryan Native oysters in a staggering three minutes 40 seconds – six seconds faster than last year's winner Fredrik Lindfors from The Fish Shop, Kensington.
As well as winning the well-deserved title, Lema was awarded a trophy, a £250 cheque and a trip to Galway to represent Britain in the International Championship.
Chris Leftwich, chief inspector of Billingsgate Market, commented on the challenge: "I've been judging this competition for a number of years and I can honestly say that this year has been the closest yet. The top six entries showed tremendous care and accuracy and the speed in which they open these oysters is phenomenal."
Fredrik Lindfors opened his oysters in an amazing three minutes 46, followed closely by Sam Tamsanguan, of Wilton's in St James's, London, who completed the task in three minutes 52 seconds.
The championship was held on Monday (1 September) at Bentley's Oyster Bar and Grill, Swallow Street, London.