Cockles and whelks

Didn't use to be a fan of these shellfish, but after trying this recipe I'm converted.  It's for Red Hot Cockles, and they are red hot!  You can always omit the chilli if you make this recipe, then it could just be called Red Cockles!  Find the recipe at http://www.thesmellyalleyfishcompany.co.uk/acatalog/Whelks__winkles_and_cockles.html

Gareth was at the opening of Reading's Christmas celebrations last week, feeding the penguins!

Fox on the pitch!

Brave fox on the pitch at Crystal Palace vs Reading on Saturday!  He didn't seem to want to leave.  Lots of urban foxes around, it's rumoured that they are caught and dumped out in the country - we see plenty out here in the Somerset countryside where our office is, but they seem very used to country ways, so maybe this is an urban myth!http://www.thesmellyalleyfishcompany.co.uk/

New animals - is this a fishmonger or an animal sanctuary?

New cats this week, from a friend who couldn't keep them - Freddie and Ollie.  And a new hen as company for our cockerel.  And took in a feral cat, but he had to be put down the next day, he had Plasma Cell Pododermatitis or "pillow foot", this seems to be an increasing problem.  His feet were lacerated and he was in great pain.  We have a pet cat with this problem, but she doesn't go places where her feet will be damaged and so far she has escaped any real problems.  RIP Bernard.

Donkeys, dolphins, foxes and fish

Kevin's talking about his life as a fishmonger and about the "animal sanctuary" this evening, to a women's group near Reading.  His talk always ends with his famous story of the dolphin.  If you'd like to hear it, follow this link

http://www.thesmellyalleyfishcompany.co.uk/acatalog/A_fishmonger_s_life.html

The dog and the mule

This blog is supposed to be about the joys of herring roe, it's just arrived back at the shop, it's only £4 for 250g, but it doesn't look very nice raw, so I'm going to wait until I've cooked some.  It's very nice on toast (apparently).  Have a look instead at this photo of the mule, I've just put him on our website, together with the dog.  They look much more attractive!http://www.thesmellyalleyfishcompany.co.uk/acatalog/The_animal_sanctuary.html

The Best Small Shops in Britain Awards 2012

It's that time again, the Daily Telegraph is asking for nominations for the Best Small Shops in Britain, here's a link to find the nomination form
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/promotions/8776059/Telegraph-Best-Small-Shops-in-Britain-Awards-2011.html
(not asking for nominations, just letting you know where to nominate shops - there are a lot of categories, so don't stop at us!!!)

Cat finds home in fishmonger's animal sanctuary

Just found another blog that mentions one of the cats in the "animal sanctuary" - how lucky he was to have found a home in an animal sanctuary run by fishmongers!  Sorry, can't find this blog again.

http://www.thesmellyalleyfishcompany.co.uk/acatalog/The_animal_sanctuary.html