100 Strangers : Round 3 : No. 259 : James by phil_howcroft

100 Strangers : Round 3 : No. 259 : James

We planned to have “Fish Pie” for tea on Friday, but forgot to buy some fish from the supermarket. A new fishmonger’s has opened in Arnold, so my wife suggested I go down and buy a “Fish Pie Mix” from them. I had previously eyed the shop as potential photo opportunity, so I slipped my Sony RX100 VII in my pocket and walked down to the shop.

Meet James who was front of house in the shop. James’s shop sells fish from all over the world, Caribbean, African , European and Asian . James gave me a flyer which stated that they have all Caribbean fish, the list included Parrat Fish, Butter Fish , Doctor Fish, Snappers, Red Bream and Conch

The shop is open 7 days a week, but due to Covid regulations was only allowing two customers into the shop at once . When I entered the shop, James was in discussion with a customer who was buying Salmon Heads at a £1-00 each. The lady was trying to negotiate a deal for bulk buy and managed to get 5 for £4-00. “I will be a return shopper if they are good quality” she said.

Anyway on to my Fish Pie Mix, James couldn’t supply any as he had no smoked haddock. He told me to ring in advance and he would tell me what the options were.

I then asked if I could photograph him and his shop for my project and he said “Yes” straight away, telling his colleague that tags on social media were good adverts for the shop.

The shop fittings at the back of the shop don’t look straight, but it is an old building and I don’t think the wall is straight.

If you look at my previous photo on my photostream, it is a street fishmonger in Greece from 1985 and the difference between vendors outfits and hygiene protocols are incredibly different. BTW, I didn’t plan two fishmonger shots side by side, it just happened by coincidence !
Brilliant images and comparisons!
May 23rd, 2021  
Great image and story.
Did you end up having fish pie? 😊
May 23rd, 2021  
I wish this fella great success. You did a nice job with your photos and the differences. Too bad you didn't get the mix.
May 23rd, 2021  
Nice
May 23rd, 2021  
A great addition to your project. I like the way the bright blue is threaded through the image.
May 23rd, 2021  
Quite the difference! I do like the one from Greece though...lots of character and what's a few ashes???
May 23rd, 2021  
Well that’s a guy that deserves to do well. So many varieties of fish & open seven days! I hope you used your initiative & took something home for your tea!! 🤣
May 23rd, 2021  
Love your (fishy) stories Phil. I hope he gets lots of extra business!
May 23rd, 2021  
Leave a Comment
Sign up for a free account or Sign in to post a comment.