KING’S Cross’ first ever oyster festival has been a huge hit with both residents and businesses.     Alexi Muldoon, who has lived in King’s Cross (Caledonian Road) since 1965, has never known such an upsurge in neighbourly bonhomie.  She puts it down to the oysters.  “Well, I know they are supposed to be a natural aphrodisiac but I’ve never seen the neighbourhood so loved up!”

Oysters are well known for their high zinc content which stimulates testosterone in humans.  Apart from the libidinous side effects of these highly nutritious bi valves, the local restaurants who are participating in the Oyster Festival have seen a significant increase in business.  Andrew McIntosh of The Brill (6-8 Caledonian Road) has tripled his oyster order in the last 3 weeks: “Oysters seem to find their way onto most people’s favourites but it was only when we started promoting the festival that our customers really started to wake up to their appeal!”.  Andrew’s group business has also benefited from the awareness the festival has generated and he is welcoming 60 members from the Federation of Small Businesses Central London branch next week for their annual fireworks dinner.  Just down the road, Dominique Fahey owner of Smithy’s Wine Bar and Restaurant (15-17 Leeke Street) got her first big group the day the first festival flyers were distributed:  “We got our first group booking on the back of the festival a week before it launched.  A party for 100 from a local businessman who just walked in the door.  Great business!”

KXBF organised and promoted the festival to raise awareness locally and to visitors to King’s Cross of the amazing culinary talents in the independent restaurants in the area.  Haven’t had your oysters yet? Don’t panic!  Go to the Oyster Festival page and see what dinners and tastings are still scheduled before the end of October