Fraq’s Lobster Shack, a 34 cover, eat in/take out East Coast inspired seafood joint on Goodge Street specialising in Maine lobster and seafood rolls with all the trimmings has opened this week.
Fraq’s Lobster Shack is a family affair with dynamic brothers Andrea, aged 30, and Alberto Fraquelli, aged 27, at the helm. These two have the restaurant business pumping through their veins, as third generation members of the Fraquelli family, behind the hugely successful Metropolitan Restaurants group. Alberto, now a lawyer, will leave the day-to-day running of Fraq’s to Andrea.
Simple and warm, Fraq’s design has been influenced by Maine lobster shacks fused with a good dose of New York cool – think soundtrack comprised entirely of old school East Coast hip hop, from Eric B & Rakim to early Wu Tang Clan. The interior features white washed wood cladded walls, marine lights, red painted wood floors, high top marble tables and wooden stools and a marble-topped front counter with the menu chalked up on a blackboard above the counter. Lobster pots and buoys add a little nautical charm.
The menu is a punchy little number with just a handful of well-priced seafood rolls, but oh boy, do they delight and deliver. The Boston Roll, £15, is a generous sized brioche mix roll, packed full of sweet tender chunks of Maine lobster meat, lemony mayo, spring onion, cos lettuce and finely sliced celery. It is served on a cute mini wood tray with a portion of crispy Zucchini Fritti or moreish French Fries, both £3.
The Calamari Club, £9, is a wonder, a springy toasted white bap, slathered in house made tartar sauce, cos lettuce and then lightly coated crumbed slabs of tender, flavor packed squid. It’s one of those dishes, which you would be happy to have as your last meal, and is sure to cure any festive hangover, instantly. Finally The Hot Prawn and Avocado Roll, £11, a beautifully subtle, fiery prawn and avocado roll, again in a brioche mix roll, bathed in a punchy Marie Rose sauce with avocado, cos lettuce, chilli flakes and a squeeze of lemon juice. There is an Italian lightness of touch to these three delightful sandwiches, which makes them stand out from the crowd and lifts them above the competition. To finish there is a slice of Warm Chocolate Cake or Lemon Sorbet, Vodka and Fizz both at £4.
There are three white wines on offer with Sauvignon at £5, £8 and £18, Vigonier at £24 and Gavi at £28, Champagne at £22 and £42. The three house bottled beers are Bud, Huber and Anchor all at £4.50 and Bourbon is £7. Last but in no way least there is a beautifully made East Coast Old Fashioned, fused with maple syrup and bacon at £7. Soft drinks are Coke and Diet Coke, both £2 and of course sparkling water at £2.50 and free flowing London tap.
Fraq’s Lobster Shack is open Monday to Saturday 12 – 11pm, but remember no bookings.
Fraq’s Lobster Shack, 55 Goodge Street W1T 1TQ Tel: 020 7637 9942