Bar Shrimp

Bar Shrimp is the third opening from the Higher Ground and Flawd team, a seafood bar with an emphasis on DJ nights, cocktails, and a menu designed for grazing rather than full-on dining. With moody lighting, a hip clientele, and a self-stated goal to create an ‘immersive sonic identity’, it’s a fashion-forward kind of place, and priced accordingly.  

In the kitchen, the focus is on quality ingredients and careful cooking. Oysters are excellent and arrive simply dressed, while the Arbroath smokie fritters and pork croquettes (when you can get them) are standouts, rich and deeply comforting. Devilled eggs, properly mustardy and topped with brown trout and crab roe, are another highlight.

When our reviewer visited, the bigger plates were less consistent. The Dexter beef burger was hefty, juicy and satisfying, but the cuttlefish sandwich didn’t quite live up to the promise of the smaller snacks. Sides can be variable too, though the caramelised onion butter toast is excellent.

Cocktails are confidently made and thoughtfully balanced, with the smoky mezcal-based After Hours a particular favourite. Wines by the glass lean towards the natural end of the spectrum, reflecting the Flawd influence.

Bar Shrimp is best approached as a place for drinks, quality music and well-chosen plates rather than a destination dinner. Go for oysters, cocktails and a few snacks, and you’ll have a very good time. Just don’t expect to leave stuffed unless you’re prepared to order generously.