A Southport fisherman and fish shop owner is now smoking his own fish, to the delight of local shoppers.
Kevin Peet, who owns Peets Plaice in Churchtown in Southport, bought the impressive new smoker after getting the idea during lockdown.
It means he can home smoke freshly caught fish such as cod and haddock which he then takes to sell either in his own shop, or through his home delivery service.
He has some exciting plans for Christmas, as he is looking forward to preparing delicious treats including smoked salmon, gravlax and crevettes.
Southport is world famous for its top quality potted shrimps, and Kevin is keen to try a new smoked version of brown shrimps too.
He has been fishing off the coast of Southport since the age of 10, when he used to head out to sea with his dad.
Along with wife Nicola he opened his Peets Plaice shop in Churchtown seven years ago, after moving from Southport Market.
He said: “We were very busy at Peets Plaice when lockdown happened.
“At first, our shop was closed, the local restaurants which we supplied closed, but fortunately we had just set up our online business which really flourished.
“It is great to see our shop back open and busy again, while our home delivery service has continued. We have already had lots of Christmas orders in.
“In the last few months the restaurant trade has been thriving, it has been unbelievable.
“During lockdown I had the idea of investing in my own smoker.
“I have converted space at my home in Marshside. I buy fish freshly caught at Fleetwood, take it back, brine it, and then smoke it. The process takes around three hours.
“I then take it straight to my Peets Plaice shop and sell it there, but I can also home deliver it too.
“So far I have been preparing natural smoked cod and haddock.
“I will be smoking these fish daily, so you will be guaranteed to get them fresh when you buy them from our shop. You will also get exactly the same quality product when you buy them through home delivery as well.
“The feedback from customers so far has been fantastic. They love our smoked cod and haddock. Our sales of smoked fish have shot up by 50% already. People know they are guaranteed total freshness. There is a real following already.
“I am really looking forward to making my own smoked salmon this December.
“I am looking forward to creating some specials in the run-up to Christmas, which we will have available in our shop and also on our website.
“We tend to be really busy during December.
“January is also a busy time for us too, as lots of people make new year’s resolutions to go on diets and lose weight. Fish and seafood are very healthy to eat.”
The Peets Plaice smoker is the only one of its kind locally, creating something new and exciting for the area.
Kevin said: “The only other smoker that I know of locally is at Southport Bacon Company, but mine is going to be used for fish and seafood.”
And he had some tips for people on the best ways to cook it.
Kevin said: “It is a very simple thing to cook.
“With smoked haddock or cod, you get the best results by steaming it over water for around ten minutes.
“Some of my older customers tell me they always cook it in milk.
“If you have it for breakfast, you can enjoy it with a couple of poached eggs on top.
“At teatime, it is nice with some potatoes and veg on the side.
“Some people also make other recipes with it, such as kedgeree.
“Smoked fish is really tasty, and very healthy for you too.”
For more details about Peet’s Plaice please visit: www.peetsplaice.co.uk or call Peet’s Plaice on: 01704 809340.
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