About us
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There has been a shellfish business of the site of Claws for over 60 years it was started
by Mrs Susan Vidgen and run off trestles and boards until the early 1960s when the first
kiosk was built. When Mrs Vidgen died the business was carried on by her daughters Lil,
Florie and Louis and her son Jim until they retired in 2001.
The kiosk was then purchased by Clive and Jenny Higgins who used to run the pleasure boats.
Our Jenny, Our Rosalie and Skylark from the kiosk at the other end of the line. Clive sold
the boating business and bought the shellfish stall straight after on the same day while
his wife was on a short break with her friend.
Jenny returned from France to find she had swapped selling boat trips to selling shellfish
but unfazed proceeded to add a refrigerated counter, tables and chairs and obtain a drinks
licence to turn it into the delightful place it is now. Selling shellfish was not new to Clive
and Jenny as they used to run Brixham Viviers, as well as their pleasure boats, selling crabs
and lobsters to dealers all over England as well as exporting them to Spain, in the winter
they also ran wet fish stalls in Newport and Bristol markets.
Claws is very much a family concern run by Jenny and Clive and granddaughter Sophie who has
worked there since she was 11. Across the road we have also opened Claws indoors which also
serves hot food as well our outside menu. Older daughter Simone owns Beamers restaurant
next door. All the crockery used is specially imported and may be purchased from Claws indoors
or from our online shop.
The kiosk has been featured in many magazines including Devon life and Exeter Living and
has even featured as a Lilleput model.
Please clcik on the image below to see the first days of our shop.
