door to door fish Locked

[supergirl]

I sencond all the comments about the fishstall on northcote rd, plus if you ask them they will source the fish you really want for the following week.

I feel sorry for them during wintern times when I see their red hands!

I have recently discovered another stall by Putney Bridge, we bought a Turbot which was really nice and fresh (bright eyes) and some fab tiger prawns (which we cooked on BBQ and lit them up with a bit of whisky, delicious!). Anyway, he is there every Saturday and during the season he also has oysters.

[MrsOctober]

First time he knocked here I asked him if I could see a rate card/brochure so that I could have a look at his prices, see where the fish was from and then order from him next time. He just walked away so I was suspicious.

A neighbour bought from him and put the fish in her freezer at his suggestion.
It turned out the fish HAD been previously frozen because it stank the house out and made her husband ill. AVOID.
We should support our local fishmonger or we'll have no right to moan when he disappears.

[TTOBES]

The next time I go to Billingsgate and back in 65 minutes to get myself some mussels and smoked salmon, I'll let you all know!

Getting out of bed at 0330 to do that is a problem though.

Tobes

[foodeditorjo]

There has to be something not quite right (fishy?) about people selling fish door to door. Why would you do it? They always seemed very desperate to me, and I don't for one minute believe the fish is from the North East - it would cost a fortune to transport it down here!! I bought from them once but was very unimpressed... definitely support Moxons or the fish stall instead. I used to be Delia's editor and she always swears by the quality of fish on offer at Waitrose too...

[Bubs]

We've bought from them too and can only echo all over posts. We'd just moved here when we first bought and thought "oooh how lovely, a fishman at the door" but it was far from it ...... the guy was pushy, turns quite grumpy when you say no, the fish absolutely REEKS - many a school-Mum friend has shared stories of trying to get rid of the stench from your freezer after one of their special deliveries (yuck). Exactly as previous poster says, they disappear off and reappear with some polystyrene trays full of smellyness before asking for about £100. The fish itself is just ok, usually riddled with bones and scales (even the "it's reet great for kiddies ya know" ....or is that Scottish ?? ... cod).

Stick to Moxons, the lovely stall on Northcote, or just the supermarket over these guys for sure.

Beware Balham, the word has obviously spread BTC and they're moving further afield !! Don't do it !!!

[Caferacer]

I would not give them house room.

Billingsgate market sometimes has sales of fish very near it's sell by date - they have to move it quickly as restaurants/fishmongers will not touch it.

Worse - the Billingsgate Inspectors are very dilligent - if the fish is not up to standard due to being not fresh enough, basically it is within a smidge of being 'off' , or a batch falls on the floor, they condemn the whole stall and it has to be thrown away or used for animal feed etc.
Now some of this rejected fish does get thrown away...but an unscrupulous porter could well - for a 'backhander' - put it in the back of someones van.

Door to door fish anyone?

[Jen66]

They were in Balham last Friday again - they must be doing business otherwise, I guess, they wouldn't bother.

[HikingGirl]

Don't buy, I once bought for them and ended up being talked into buying huge amounts of fish (as they didn't come in smaller quantities) and spending over £100,-.

I checked with the local police at a fair, guess what they said: '' NEVER, never buy at the door. 9 out of 10 times it is a scam. No matter how good the story. Why would anyone try selling at the door? Surely they can leave you a brochure, so you can check out reputability e.g. on their website.

So don't. Don't buy fish, don't buy from young offenders. ''

Honestly true, the police themselves recommend against buying.

[Putney_dad]

Just bought some fish from Northumberland Fisheries. Have to say that he was a very friendly chap, and although initially pitched for a big order had no issues about me placing a smaller one (£50 for five large packs). Although clearly a salesman he wasn't pushy. I know my fish, and could definitely tell (look, smell and touch) it was fresh. Straight into the freezer and hopefully should be a winner. If anything untoward happens I'll report back.

Regarding door to door fish sales this was the way that fish was traditionally sold - I remember as a youngster (1970s Devon) that there was often a fishmonger doing the rounds. Interestingly a friend of mine that lives in a village just outside Newcastle tells me that this is still very much the tradition in the North East. Whilst I fully support local fishmongers their prices in this part of town can be sky high - I recently bought a couple of fillets of Sea Bass and it cost nearly £20. I insist on quality first and foremost, but a sensible price is at least expected.

[Putney_dad]

PS - And oh yes - I checked out his van, and the fish inside of it before buying. I also selected the packs that I wanted. He had no issues when I asked to select the packs either. If in doubt I would suggest that you do the same, which should hopefully prove reassuring.

[NYE31]

They were out & about in The Tonsleys last week

[firsttimerSW11]

Putney Dad, was there a reason talking about Northumberland Fisheries made you join nappy valley today?

[juliantenniscoach]

Endorsing the earlier pos -
"The fish stall on Northcote Road serves good quality fish and Moxons at Clapham South are also excellent. Both reputable and you will at least know where fish came from and how fresh. Both will fillet and prepare the fish the way you want it.

Support our local independent suppliers."

Use them or lose them forever.

[helloUGT]

I would also suggest under the arches fishmonger in Brixton, next door but one to award winning Portuguese deli - super fresh and excellent service.

[Jen66]

Very sus post from 'Putney Dad' !!!