Category: Hospitality

Newcastle’s Saltwater Fish Company has been named Retail Fishmonger of the Year for the North East 2019.

The stylish, seafood bar and fishmonger – based within the buzzy Food Hall in Fenwick department store – won the award at the inaugural English Independent Retail Awards, held at the Grand Hotel Gosforth Park, Newcastle. The awards celebrate the best independent retail operators in the region.

Saltwater is part of chef and North East restaurateur Terry Laybourne’s 21 Hospitality Group.

On receiving the award, Terry said: “We work with outstanding fresh, seasonal produce and some carefully selected seafood suppliers. This award is a reflection of a big team effort that incorporates a long chain from the fishing and catching at sea, to preparing within a lively retail space and getting to the plate.”

Chefs cook the fish with a light touch to showcase their natural flavours, placing the emphasis on the great seafood that is landed at North Shields, Hartlepool, Eyemouth and other ports round the UK.

Terry said: “Saltwater is no ordinary fishmonger. We have the counter retail space in a Food Hall that’s carefully integrated with a fast, casual, seafood restaurant. Our chefs are working hand in hand with the fishmonger, taking a ‘we cook what we sell, we sell what we cook’ approach.

“Shoppers and diners have the rare opportunity to see and discuss how seafood is prepared and cooked. This lively dynamic seems to have captured people’s imagination.”

Irfan Younis, CEO of awards organizer Creative Oceanic, said: “The English Independent Retail Awards 2019-North East is a celebration of the independent retailers that enhance our communities and contribute to the local economy by employing hundreds of people. The winners have demonstrated an exceptional understanding of the market they operate within. The commitment to improve and enhance their services and products has made them stand amongst the rest.”

The experienced kitchen team at Saltwater are happy to show customers how to get the most out of fresh fish. When buying from the fishmonger, people have the opportunity to also pick up recipe cards of great seafood dishes to make at home.

Saltwater is open seven days a week, 11am-7pm Monday to Saturday; 11am – 4pm Sunday. There is a daily Oyster Happy Hour from 3pm – 5pm offering oysters and fizz.

Other restaurants within 21 Hospitality Group include 21, Café 21, Porterhouse Butcher & Grill, The Broad Chare and St Vincent.