Sample the Food of Love | The Woodbridge Shuck Festival

Situated on the banks of the River Deben, Woodbridge will be celebrating one of the world's favourite aphrodisiacs at its annual Shuck Festival, 4-6 October 2013.

Now it its 2nd year this salty-dog of a festival celebrates the abundance of delicious shellfish produced in this area, including Deben oysters and mussels. Fabulous festival events include:

• The ShuckShack Pop up Restaurant at Whisstocks Boatyard, Tide Mill Lane.
• The Seafood Safari Supper which starts with drinks and canapes at Adnams Cellar and Kitchen store and visits 2 more restaurants before finishing at The Angel on Theatre Street.
• The Riverside Festival Day featuring a multitude of local producers with tasting stalls, historical talks, chef's cookery demonstrations and live entertainment including sea shantie singing and The Badlands Orchestra.

Woodbridge is home to many fantastic pubs and restaurants and many of its eateries will also host oyster and shellfish related events during the festival weekend. Participating Woodbridge venues offering “Shuck Fun” inspired menus and events, include The Anchor, The Crown, The Table, The King's Head, the Riverside Restaurant, the East Coast Diner and The Galley.

The Woodbridge Shuck Festival was founded in 2012 by Suffolk Secrets, Simpers of Suffolk and The Crown, Woodbridge. For accommodation in and around the festival site click here. For full festival programme information, click here.

The Aphrodisiac Myth

The myth surrounding oysters supposedly being an aphrodisiac could be due to the high levels of amino acids found within this shellfish, which is said to trigger increased levels of sex hormones. Oysters also have high levels of zinc which is said to aid production of testosterone.