Premier Fish opens a shop on fish row in Salisbury

Premier Fish fishmonger opened its doors at bright and early on Thursday morning (July 21) to greet its first customers.

Created in 1995, Premier Fish has been supplying fish and seafood to the hospitality sector across the south alongside offering a home delivery service.

While the large-scale supply part of the business operates in Downton, Premier Fish aim to provide "very good fresh fish" to everyone in Salisbury with this new shop.

Around 50 customers passed through the doors on Thursday and store manager Ashley Major is eager to welcome more. He said: "Today has been steady. We've had a lot of positive feedback from people who've been in, even if they're just browsing.

"Pop in and say hello, we're a friendly bunch with a lot of experience behind the counter."

The main counter inside Premier Fish

Ashley Major is the store manager of Premier Fish. (Image: Newsquest)

Premier Fish was a trade-only fish supplier all the way up to the pandemic. When hospitality closed overnight, the business wanted to provide quality, delivered fish.

Tony White, managing director of Premier Fish, said: “The incredible response we received for the home fish deliveries during the pandemic inspired us to consider opening a retail fishmongers.

"When we found the empty shop on Fish Row we simply knew it was meant to be!

"Salisbury has a thriving independent retail community and we wanted to be at the heart of this environment, working alongside other specialist businesses to drive footfall in Salisbury."

The team at Premier Fish are available to give customers a hand with recommendations and guidance.

"The feedback on Premier Fish at 9 Fish Row has been outstanding, it’s clear the community are keen to support us and we look forward to welcoming everyone through the door as their quality local fishmonger," added Mr White.

Deputy mayor and ward councillor Atiqul Hoque said: "It's always a great feeling to see businesses are still taking interest to invest in our town centre.

Cllr Hoque said he was a Premier Fish customer when he used to run Hox Brasserie on Fisherton street.

"This new addition will liven up this corner and I can certainly recommend them," added Cllr Hoque.

The official ribbon will be cut by renowned local chef, Alex Aitken, chef patron at The Jetty, Christchurch at 9am on Tuesday July 26. Premier Fish supplies the team at The Jetty.

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