Hidden away in an unassuming industrial estate is a “high quality” seafood restaurant with a rapidly growing reputation through word of mouth.

Essex Oyster Co’s Surf and Turf Restaurant, just off Pound Lane, Bowers Gifford, serves up fresh seafood from Essex fisheries and further afield.

Owners Audrey and Scott DeVere-Hunt opened the 30-seat restaurant in September and have recently opened a new enclosed terrace to fit another 30 customers in amid soaring demand.

Echo: Christopher and Margaret Tickle (front) have recommended the restaurant to friends and family alikeChristopher and Margaret Tickle (front) have recommended the restaurant to friends and family alike (Image: Newsquest / Ben Shahrabi)

Audrey said: “We’re becoming known by customers as a hidden gem. We’re proud to offer something unique. You’d be hard pushed to find anywhere nearby that does what we do at this quality.

“We’ve had a hell of a lot more people coming through our doors than we expected, given our location.”

Audrey says the restaurant’s “amazing chefs” are key to drawing customers in.

She added: “Nothing we sell here is frozen. All of our food is freshly made.”

Audrey’s husband Scott has worked in the seafood industry for three decades, starting with a stall in London. The business quickly expanded to takeaways and deliveries throughout Essex, before the couple eventually opened their restaurant.

Echo: Owner Scott DeVere-Hunt has recently opened the new enclosed terrace Owner Scott DeVere-Hunt has recently opened the new enclosed terrace (Image: Newsquest / Ben Shahrabi)

And their latest venture is proving a hit with happy diners.

Margaret Tickle, from Rayleigh, said: “If you love fish, this is the place to come.”

“I love it. We came here on a friend’s recommendation and have visited a few times now. I’ve also recommended it to my friends.”

Husband Christopher added: “People are quickly learning about this place through word of mouth. The squid starters here are to die for, and the oysters are gorgeous.”

Head chef Ashley Bard, 34, from Ongar, said: “We were packed out every day we were open last week, and the week before that was just crazy. Restaurants are normally dead after Christmas but it’s just getting even busier here.

“The feedback has been unbelievable. I’m proud we’re offering good food, done well.”

Waitress Chloe Lipton, 34, from Chadwell St Mary, said: “A lot of people are shocked that they’ve only just discovered us. Because it’s a family-run business, our heart and passion shine through.”