Now that there's more than a hint of a chill in the air, it's time to abandon that al fresco salad and head in for some heartier fare. On a happier note, the cooler winds also herald the start of oyster season. Here are a few of London's best oyster joints to kickstart your autumn love affair with the seafood shooter.

Bentley's - Mayfair

Ever the classic oyster venue choice (and one of our choices for last year's top oyster spots), Bentley's is celebrating this year's season with a few record-breaking shucking stints under its belt.

At this year's Taste of London Bentley's shucked and sold over 11,000 oysters in the four day period. It also had a record-breaking night in April 2011 when a Canadian diner won the Guinness World Record for eating the most oysters in one sitting in the Bentley's Oyster Bar. With suppliers including Colchester Oysters and West Mersey Oysters, it's a perfect choice for locally-sourced oysters.

To celebrate this year's kickoff, Bentley's will be treating guests to half a dozen Native oysters with two glasses of Champagne for only £29.

Find out more about Bentley's

Wright Brothers - Soho and Borough

It's been a big year for the oyster-loving Wright Brothers. A new Soho restaurant extended the empire, while their original Borough Market location continues to offer some of the freshest oysters around.

It's no surprise that the secret to a must-have oyster is its source - and the Wright Brothers' oysters come straight from their own Duchy Oyster Farm on the Helford River in Cornwall, the British Isles or France, always embracing a "sea to plate" philosophy. With chefs formerly of Racine and Galvin Bistro de Luxe, oysters here are one of the freshest picks around.

And to wash it all down, this is the only place in London where you'll get The Kernel Brewery's fantastic oyster stout.

Find out more about Wright Brothers

Clos Maggiore -  Covent Garden

Wading into the oyster fray, Covent Garden staple Clos Maggiore will be taking the romantic route this season, focusing on the oyster as an aphrodisiac, and showcasing a specially-designed seven course menu. While not every course will feature oysters, the sound of fin de Claire oysters with shallot vinegar, followed by wild brill and roasted sea bass already has our taste buds tingling.

The exclusive seafood menu is £59 per person or £98 with paired wines - and Clos Maggiore will also be featuring a boosted oyster and seafood a-la-carte menu this autumn.

Find out more about Clos Maggiore

Green’s - Cornwall

Right by the Royal Exchange building, Green's runs the risk of being overlooked by anyone other than bankers. This would be a real shame, as the oysters here are reportedly as fresh as any in London - with the pricey Carlingford Lough rock variety taking pride of place.

If you can sidestep the City gents and are prepared to dig deep in your pocket, Green's should earn a place on your shucking list.

Find out more about Green's

Massimo -  Whitehall

Praised by Fay Maschler for its 'nose to tail' seafood philosophy, new Whitehall restaurant Massimo is having its London's oyster season this year, and promises to showcase its seafood wares with flair. The menu promises 'the very best oysters, sea urchins, fish, shellfish and lobsters – all sustainably sourced, locally where possible'.

A large oyster bar dominates one side of the dining room. with West Mersea, Rock Loch Fyne and Rock Irish Oysters on the menu.

Find out more about Massimo

J Sheekey Oyster Bar
It's easier to get a spot up at the counter here where you'll find several varieties of native oysters. Six West Mersea Pearl Oysters and a glass of Gaston Chiquet will set you back £15.75.

Scott's
A glamorous choice in Mayfair with a dedicated oyster bar. Six Cumbrae rocks are £14.25.

Le Cafe Anglais
For West Londoners, the oyster bar at Rowley Leigh's Cafe Anglais in Whitely's of Bayswater is your best bet.  You can get half a dozen starting at £10 or go for the tasting plate of 15 for £25.

St Pancras Grand
One to check out prior to that weekend in Paris, this bar offers native oysters from Scotland, Ireland and Essex. Half a dozen British rock oysters are £12.

Hix Oyster and Chop House
It may be just around the corner from the famous Smithfield meat market, but the name says it all. Half a dozen oysters and a glass of wine, Monday-Friday between 3-7pm or all day Sunday cost just £15

Bibendum Oyster bar
This South Ken spot is a feast for both the eyes and stomach. Six Colchester rocks will set you back a very reasonable £10.75.

The Bluebird
Head Chef Mark Block has created a special 'natives are back' menu for the Made in Chelsea set including six Falmouth natives with shallot vinegar and rye bread at £14.50.

Quaglino's
Quaglino’s will have native oysters on ice with shallot vinegar, lemon and Tabasco. At £3.25 each, you'll be able to have one or as many as you like.

Plus: Sloane Square will host a pop-up oyster and fizz bar courtesy of The Botanist restaurant.
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