Robert's Oyster Rooms Oysters, and sea food generally, have been sold on this site since 1876. John Roberts of Preston set up the business in that year when customers could buy seven oysters for a shilling (5p) and bring along their own 'black velvet' - a mixture of stout and champagne - to wash them down. Little has changed in the business since those early days which has remained a family concern. Todays oysters generally come from Anglesey or Ireland. The building today remains as one of the oldest survivors on the Promenade.