Quality Guaranteed: The Fish Shop Sevenoaks Reveal How To Select The Best Fish

Sevenoaks is one of few remaining towns in Kent that boasts having a proper, traditional wet fish shop within the community – The Fish Shop Sevenoaks. Why are independent fishmongers so scarce nowadays? Sadly, we needn’t look further than the Big Four and other large supermarket chains for decimating this ancient trade.

Do you like to imagine that the fish you’re cooking was swimming in the ocean just yesterday? This is where The Fish Shop has the edge over frozen, supermarket bought fish

Using line caught fish and small boats wherever possible (but NEVER trawlers), it’s about 12-16 hours from sea to shop – an incredibly impressive feat for a non-coastal town!

About The Fish Shop Sevenoaks

Greg Chester opened the doors to The Fish Shop 3 years ago. A foodie at heart, Greg’s background is that of a world class chef, having privately cooked for celebrities (even royalty!) and at highbrow restaurants like Restaurant Gordan Ramsay, Chapter One and Le Manoir.

Though, before all of that, Greg’s has fond memories of his first job – when he was 14 years old – at his local fishmongers. After travelling the world and honing some serious culinary creativeness, it seems fitting that he has come full circle. It’s that nostalgia and community spirit that Greg wants to thrive in Sevenoaks, a market town since the mid-13^th century.

Read our blog ‘From Top Chef To Your New Local Fishmonger, Meet Greg Chester’ which takes a deeper dive into Greg’s previous life as a chef.

Sustainability and traceability – where does the fish come from?

As we learn to become more eco-savvy, we – the ‘conscious consumer’ – want to know where our food comes from and the impact of our purchases. The quality of produce is more often valued higher than the cost.

Greg keenly supports the independent fisherman with most of his fish bought from small suppliers that come out of the southwest coast, namely Newlyn (Cornwall) and Brixham (Devon).

“When we use our suppliers, they are in direct contact with small boats with small catches.” Greg says, “Meaning we know exactly where it’s come from, where it was landed, and by who and what boat. This gives us great traceability and helps us to keep sustainable where we can.”

All of the fresh fish sold is wild caught apart from the sea-farmed, sushi-grade Scottish salmon. Having said that, Salmon from Loch Duart is slow-grown and world-class – not only do they adhere to the strictest welfare standards, but the salmon are fed to as close to their natural wild feeding patterns as possible and given no pesticides or hormones.

Most of the shellfish comes from Scotland too, due to the water being extra chilly and nutrient rich. Greg says, “For me, Scottish seafood is the best in the world.”

95% of The Fish Shop stock comes from experienced and sustainable fishermen off the coast of Devon and Scotland. 5% of the fish is handpicked by Greg from Billingsgate Market.

Discounts for the community

The heath benefits of eating fish cannot be overstated. Packed with nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality protein, fish is widely regarded as one the healthiest foods you can eat.

There are scientific studies that link eating fish with improved mental health in old age. So, in the spirit of looking out for the community and its more vulnerable, The Fish Shop offers a whopping 20% off their fresh fish selection for the over 70s every Wednesday and Friday.

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Greg’s Top 5 Things To Help You Spot Quality Fish

It’s no secret that the fresher the fish, the tastier it will be and fish that has been handled properly is safer to eat. There are some telltale signs that your fish isn’t as fresh as it could be.

Greg shares the things to look out for when buying fish:

1] It should not smell

Fresh fish doesn’t really have a smell. If you give it a whiff, it should just smell like the sea. Think of briny/salty water, seaweed… that kind of thing. A ‘fishy’ odour is something that develops over time and is a clear indication that the fish is aging.

2] It’s all in the eyes

The eyes of fresh fish should be clear and bright. If you see eyes that are cloudy or glazed, this is either due to being old or being stored incorrectly.

3] Stiff, firm flesh

If you buy very fresh fish there should still be an element of rigor mortis, where the fish is curled up and very, very firm. If the fish is soft, floppy and leaves an indentation when you touch it, then it’s likely the fish is a few days old, and you should avoid it.

4] Bright, red gills

We’re looking for bright red gills. The brighter the colour, the fresher the fish.

5] Skin

The skin of a fresh fish will appear moist, shiny and metallic when it is fresh. Avoid dull and dry skin.

“The quality of fish is outstanding and they provide a range of fish which you can’t find in supermarkets. Highly recommended” – Stefania B

What you can buy from The Fish Shop Sevenoaks

From hearty stews, pies and curries to seafood, sushi and salads – fish meat is so versatile, we cannot get enough of the stuff!

At The Fish Shop you can even buy pre-prepared meals. If you fancy a special treat, where else can grab yourself a ready meal, homecooked by a top chef?

From bougie Miso Black Cod (Nobu Style), lobster thermidor or salmon en croute to traditional, family favourites like fish cakes and fish pies – there really is something for everyone.

At the counter

To be sustainable, you must eat seasonally. All fish and shellfish sold is subject to what’s available at any given time – occasionally the boats bring in a few surprises too!

Fresh fish

Sea bass, gilthead sea bream, red sea bream, pink sea bream, black sea bream, red mullet, cod fillet, haddock fillet, hake fillet, salmon fillet (sushi grade), mackerel, sardines, gurnard, monk fish, plaice fillet, dover sole, lemon sole, skate wing, halibut, sea trout, river trout, tuna (sushi grade), sword

Shellfish

Live native lobster, cooked native lobster, live langoustines, oyster (Irish, jersey, Scottish, Cornish), tiger prawns shell on, peeled tiger prawns, cooked tiger prawns, clams, Shetland mussels, giant tiger prawns, squid, scallops

Smoked fish

Natural smoked haddock, kiln roasted salmon, kippers, hot smoked whole mackerel, smoked salmon, smoked salmon royal fillet, octopus (cooked legs)

Not got the time to pop into town? Not a problem, you can pre-order and pay on collection! The Fish Shop Sevenoaks even offers free delivery for orders over £30 (within a 1-mile radius from the store) or deliveries over £30 up to a 7-mile radius are £4.99.