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Fish seller reveals: Mackerel made me best of the best
A STALLHOLDER who has sold fish in London for more than 40 years has been crowned “the best of the best”.
Ian Keene scooped the Market Trader of Year award, beating 400 others.
He has been selling fresh fish and seafood in Berwick Street Market in Soho since the 1960s.
He wins three months free trading worth up to £2,000.
“I really am chuffed,” he said.
Mr Keene, who gets up at 3.30am to travel to Billingsgate Market near Canary Wharf to get fresh fish from around the world, said his stall was a family business.
He said: “My father used to help me out on the stall when he was alive and my two kids used to do Saturdays. My grandson used to help out on Saturdays too, but now he’s moved on too.”
“It’s too much like hard work for them,” he jokes.
Mr Keene said people’s tastes had changed during his 40 years on the stall. He said: “It’s such a small world now. People travel everywhere and they get to taste different fish. We are going to get some Barracuda in next month. We have to educate people because cod and haddock are becoming endangered species.
“We’ve had all sorts in here – Frank Dobson MP, actors Caroline Quintin and Leslie Phillips are regulars. Frank likes a big sea bass,” he revealed.
Mr Keene, 59, who gets up at 3.30am and returns home at 7.30pm five days a week, revealed the secret of his longevity. He said: “It’s mackerel – I love it. Ask any doctor – oily fish is the best for you.” |
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