Good Morning,
With overseas travel currently off the agenda, I’ve been taking the opportunity to explore more of my own country. It’s something I vowed to do after I returned from living abroad but naturally life got in the way and any annual leave I had, I used to explore elsewhere.
I first heard about The Fishmarket on the BBC show Remarkable Places to Eat which I highly recommend watching particularly the Vienna episode. Anyway, the Fishmarket is a seafood restaurant set within Newhaven harbour which might not seem that out of the ordinary however the location is part of the secret to the excellence of this place. The venue is located within the original fish market of Newhaven which has been renovated and taken over by Welch Fishmongers but still operates today and supplies the restaurant meaning the fish is as fresh as it could possibly be. This is what makes this place stand out from others.
We had spent the day in Edinburgh and headed over to Newhaven around 3pm for a mid-afternoon lunch. The process at the time was to order online for collection as the restaurant wasn’t open. There is a window where orders are called meaning you didn’t even need to go inside which is a really good process. There are markings on the floor outside to queue however on the day and time we went, it wasn’t very busy and there was plenty of space however it might be different at peak times. Our order was called exactly on time and we headed to a bench to sit and enjoy the food after a long day of walking and exploring.
I had battered haddock and chips and I can honestly say it was the most delicious fish and chips I’ve ever had. The fish was not only massive in length but it was thick and meaty, flaking perfectly as you cut into it. The batter was light and extremely crispy but best of all, it wasn’t greasy or oily. The chips were thick cut but soft and crumbly inside. It’s £10 for a battered haddock supper which is pretty much in line with the prices elsewhere however it’s great value for money given the quality and freshness of the fish. I was a bit worried it wouldn’t live up to expectations as that can often happen with places that are hyped up however if anything it exceeded them.
I decided to wear my favourite new dress for the occasion, the one which reminds me of my late Gran. She loved fish and chips and had a chippy every Saturday, it was her weekly treat which made it all the more poignant. I wish I could have taken her along to this place, she really would have loved it.
I’d highly recommend stopping by The Fishmarket if you’re in the area and I look forward to returning for another fish tea in the future.
xo!