FISH SHOP, a new concept as a restaurant and fishmonger, will open in the heart of Ballater at the end of April. It is the latest venture from Artfarm, the company behind The Fife Arms in Braemar.
Celebrating the heritage and traditions of fishing in Scotland, FISH SHOP will offer freshly caught seafood which is ethically sourced and means that it will only stock sustainably-sourced fish from day and short-trip boats, as well as creel-caught and hand-dived crustacea.
Managed by husband-and-wife team, Executive Chef Marcus and General Manager Jasmine Sherry, FISH SHOP will offer a modern, laid-back 40-cover seafood restaurant with as well as the adjoining fishmonger. The restaurant menu will focus on the shellfish and day boat fish, with the addition of select game, meat and vegetables from surrounding farms and estates.
Drinks will include biodynamic and low carbon footprint wines chosen from British and European vineyards, including wines for the Artfarm vineyard in Somerset with spirits and beers from micro-breweries and distilleries within Scotland.
Russell Sage Studio has brought its eco-credentials to the fore and all paint used is zero VOC, coverings on banquettes and bar stools use low-carbon leather, all timber and timber veneers are FSC-certified, and table bases are reclaimed and resealed. Wall lights and portholes have been salvaged from ships, and fabrics are made from natural linen and cotton manufactured in Ayrshire.
The adjoining fishmonger will offer seafood from the same boats and providers as the restaurant. As well as the fish and shellfish arriving early each morning it will offer a range of seaweeds, Scottish Blackthorn Seasalt along with freshly prepared fish dishes as well as a range of other foods.
FISH SHOP is a supporter of both the River Dee Trust which is the focus for intensive freshwater conservation actions to help save the Atlantic Salmon and the Ocean Recovery Project which aims to empower beach cleaners, increase recycling rates and develop new techniques for recycling “hard to recycle” plastics. Guests are being invited to make a discretionary donation of £1 per table towards these two charities which will be matched by FISH SHOP.