What is lobster tea...?

[Topsy-Turvy]

Having recently finished rereading good ole Rub-a-dub mystery (I think it was!), I'm just very curious to know what exactly is Lobster Tea like? What sort of food goes with it etc. - as I simply can't envisage what it must be like except it must have been a real spread to make Snubby so ill! I googled it and am no wiser so it is a real mystery to me! Come to think of it, I also wonder if Alice in Wonderland makes a reference to lobster tea when they start talking about the Lobster Quadrille....

[Rob Houghton]

Hi Topsy Turvy,

I'd always thought that lobster tea was just that - a meal of lobster. I guess Snubby just had a big lobster for his dinner (or tea) and it gave him nightmares.

[Topsy-Turvy]

Hi Robert,

I guessed it might just be lobster but it sounded like something really normal if you were at the seaside in the book! I haven't seen anything like that so I just wondered! I must try looking out the next time (I wonder when!) I go to the seaside. I normally just have tea and biscuits/cakes at tea-time!

[Rob Houghton]

If you go to Brixham, in Devon (as we often do) you'll see a hut on the harbour side that does Lobster and crab teas, as well as crab sandwiches etc. They are very popular, and the outside tables are always full of customers. Unfortunately, I'm allergic to shellfish, so I have never tried one: I'd probably end up sicker than poor old Snubby!!

Rob

[Miranda]

I remember reading a 1930's menu for a 'meat tea' served in one of the Epping Forest 'retreats' (large cafeteria-type places). As far as I recall, it was a massive spread with some kind of cold roast meat as the main ingredient, accompanied by bread and lots of salad items, hard-boiled eggs, etc. Very Blytonesque!
I've always assumed that a lobster tea is similar, with a nice juicy lobster as the centrepiece. I've never had one though - must go to Brixham and try it out!

[pete9012S]

I'm sure it wasn't this!!

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[Julie2owlsdene]

Maybe not Pete, but in our childhood days we had to make up our own entertainment!

[floragord]

If you go to Brixham, in Devon (as we often do) you'll see a hut on the harbour side that does Lobster and crab teas, as well as crab sandwiches etc. They are very popular, and the outside tables are always full of customers. Unfortunately, I'm allergic to shellfish, so I have never tried one: I'd probably end up sicker than poor old Snubby!!Rob

Stunning crab and occasionally lobster teas in the fishing village of Hastings (Rock-a-Nore) if anyone's visiting! There's an unpretentious café called Maggie's, hugely popular, mentioned apparently in all the travel guides as tourists often find their way there. We tend to go in the winter and usually book a table as there's often a queue. Interesting fisherman museum too.

[pete9012S]

Is this the Maggie's you mean?

It's 3/4's of the way down this blob sorry blog and looks very good if it's the right one!

Maggie’s is an institution, hidden behind the huts of Hastings beach, down the Old Town / Rock-a-nore end, behind the fish stalls, above the miniature railway. I can’t swear that Maggie makes the best fish and chips in England but they’re definitely the best I’ve had – and what’s more in all the times I’ve eaten there I’ve never been disappointed. They’re always good.

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[floragord]

Absolutely, Pete, that's the one!! Due to some ancient fishery law they open at about 5am for the catch. Maggie is a fabulous lady, and has become a good friend as we so regularly darken her door, most of our visitors are desperate for fish and chips at the seaside! The crab sandwiches are worth a journey...

[Moonraker]

Blimey, Pete; I thought that was one of your jokes!

[burlingtonbertram]

Hi Topsy Turvy,

I'd always thought that lobster tea was just that - a meal of lobster. I guess Snubby just had a big lobster for his dinner (or tea) and it gave him nightmares.

I had a 'sort of' friend once who hallucinated after eating out of date lobster. Might be a coincidence, mind, because he is rather odd. Still, maybe there is something in it.

[Moonraker]

because he is rather odd

I know a few people who would fit that description!

[pete9012S]

Anyone tried lobster? Not sure if I have...does it taste like crab??

[Lucky Star]

I rarely eat seafood so I have never tasted either. About the only seafood I will eat is cod or mackerel.