Haywards Heath fishmonger lands national food award

The fishmonger in Commercial Square was praised for its mission to take Sussex seafood nationwide, and for its commitment to sourcing only the best quality, sustainably-caught fish.

Sebastian Candelon, owner, said: “This has been a tough year for British food and drink producers and retailers, so we are really thrilled to receive this fiercely-contested accolade.

“Like many others, we’ve had to quickly adapt our business during the pandemic, launching an e-commerce store and home delivery option, and expanding our premises to accommodate social distancing measures and to meet the increase in demand for fresh fish.

“We have recruited a ‘night-team’ of highly-skilled local people, many of whom had found themselves out of work during lockdown, so that we could work around the clock to deliver fresh fish to our local community, and to our customers nationwide, when they needed it most.

“It really is testament to the whole team’s hard work that we have won this award - they thoroughly deserve it.”

Entrants were judged by a formidable panel of celebrity chefs, critics, food writers and influential buyers – including The Hairy Bikers, Booths supermarket, and Michel Roux Jr.

The Fresh Fish Shop is working with UKHarvest, a not-for-profit perishable food rescue operation and education charity.

Sebastian said: “We know a lot of people are finding life particularly tough at the moment, which is why our partnership with UKHarvest is vital now, more than ever, helping to reduce food waste and redistribute quality surplus food to those who need it most.

“We’re proud to have donated over a quarter of a tonne of fish, which UKHarvest has redistributed to charities (women’s and men’s refuges and youth centres) so that people in need can receive food relief.”