Frequently Asked Questions

You can order directly through our website by browsing our shop, adding items to your cart, and checking out. Alternatively, call us on 01202 747661 or email info@parkstonefisheries.net to place an order by phone.

We accept all major credit and debit cards through our secure online checkout. For in-store purchases, we accept cards and cash.

Yes, we encourage pre-orders especially for special occasions or specific cuts. Call us on 01202 747661 or order online and select collection at checkout. We recommend ordering by 3pm the day before for next-day collection.

We require at least 48 hours notice for seafood platters so we can source and prepare everything fresh. For large events or holiday periods, we recommend ordering a week in advance.

Absolutely. Call us on 01202 747661 during opening hours (Tue-Fri 7:30am-4pm, Sat 7:30am-3pm) and Steve or the team will take your order. We can advise on what's freshest today and help you choose the right fish for your recipe.

Order by 3pm for next-day delivery, Tuesday to Saturday. Online you can book up to 5 days ahead, but we buy fresh each morning, so the earliest date gives you the best choice. For seafood platters or large event orders, please give at least 48 hours notice.

Yes. We supply fresh fish, shellfish, and prepared seafood platters for events of all sizes, from intimate dinner parties to large celebrations. Call us on 01202 747661 to discuss your requirements. We recommend at least 48 hours notice for platters and a week for larger orders.

We deliver to all BH postcodes including Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, Wimborne, Broadstone, Ferndown, Verwood, Wareham, and surrounding areas. Delivery is by refrigerated vehicle to keep your fish at the perfect temperature.

Yes. There is a £40 minimum order, and every delivery order then ships completely free. We deliver using our own refrigerated vehicle to ensure your seafood arrives in perfect condition.

We deliver Tuesday to Saturday. Orders placed before 3pm are typically delivered the next working day. We'll confirm your delivery slot when you place your order.

All deliveries are made in our own refrigerated vehicle. Your fish is packed with ice packs and insulated packaging to maintain the cold chain from our counter to your door.

Our minimum order is £40, and every delivery order ships free across all BH postcodes. Prefer a smaller order? You are always welcome to collect from the shop on Bournemouth Road. For event orders or platters, call us directly on 01202 747661 to arrange.

We take sustainability seriously and source from responsible fisheries wherever possible. Our team stay up to date with Marine Conservation Society guidance and seasonal availability to make informed sourcing decisions.

Absolutely. Our experienced fishmongers can fillet, pin-bone, skin, portion, or butterfly any fish to your exact requirements. Just let us know when you order and we'll prepare it how you like.

Fish availability changes throughout the year. Check our seasonal calendar page for a month-by-month guide to what's at its best. We always recommend buying seasonal fish for the best flavour and value.

Yes, we carry a range of frozen seafood including prawns, scallops, and fish portions. Flash-frozen at sea, these products are a convenient way to enjoy quality seafood at home. Browse our frozen section in the shop.

Our popular fish pie mix contains a generous combination of fresh salmon, cod, and naturally smoked haddock, all diced and ready to go straight into your sauce. We make it up at the counter rather than selling it online, so ask in the shop or call 01202 747661.

Fresh fish should have bright, clear eyes, firm flesh that springs back when pressed, and a clean sea-water smell, never "fishy". The gills should be a vibrant red or pink. When you buy from Parkstone Fisheries, we prepare your fish to order so freshness is guaranteed.

Yes. We offer a full vacuum-packing and labelling service, free of charge. If you are buying fresh fish to freeze, just ask when you order and we will pack and label it before it leaves the counter, so it goes into your freezer in the best possible condition.

Yes, fresh fish freezes well if done promptly. Wrap tightly in cling film and foil, removing as much air as possible, then freeze on the day of purchase. Most fish keeps for up to 3 months frozen. For convenience, browse our frozen range, flash-frozen at sea for the best quality.

Wild fish is caught in its natural environment, often resulting in firmer flesh and more complex flavour. Farmed fish is raised in controlled conditions and tends to be available year-round at consistent quality. We stock both. Our salmon is Scottish farmed, while our bass and mackerel are wild-caught. Check our seasonal calendar to see when each species is at its best.

Mild, white fish like cod and haddock are popular with children because of their gentle flavour and flaky texture. Our fish pie mix, made up at the counter, is a great family option, and coated fish portions are perfect for fussy eaters. Browse our recipes for easy family-friendly fish dishes.

Fish bones and skin make excellent stock: simmer with onion, celery, and herbs for 20 minutes for a flavourful base for soups and sauces. If you prefer, we can fillet and skin your fish for you at no extra charge when you place your order.

Fresh fish from the counter keeps 1-2 days in the coldest part of your fridge (back of the bottom shelf, well below 4°C). For best flavour and texture, cook it on the day of delivery. If you can't use it within 48 hours, freeze it. See our guide to choosing and storing fresh fish.

Always defrost fish slowly in the fridge. Leave it on a plate overnight (8-12 hours for fillets, 24 hours for whole fish). Avoid defrosting at room temperature or in hot water, as this damages texture and risks bacterial growth. In a hurry? Use the cold-water method: seal in a bag and submerge in cold water for 30-60 minutes.

Oily fish carry the most omega-3: mackerel tops the list, followed by sardines, herring, salmon, and trout. The NHS recommends two portions of fish per week, one of which should be oily. Our fish nutrition guide has the full breakdown.

Oily fish like whole mackerel, sardines, and salmon are perfect for the grill. The natural oils keep the flesh moist over high heat. Firm white fish like swordfish, tuna, and monkfish also BBQ well. Avoid delicate fish like sole or plaice. Try our BBQ mackerel recipe.

NHS guidance: avoid shark, swordfish, and marlin entirely due to mercury levels. Limit tuna to two steaks (or four medium tins) per week. Avoid raw shellfish and sushi-grade raw fish. Safe choices include cod, bass, plaice, haddock, salmon, and properly cooked prawns. Always check current NHS guidance.

Yes. We stock live Dorset lobster from local pot-caught boats throughout the season (April-October), and live brown crab year-round when available. Call ahead on 01202 747661 to reserve, especially for events. We also offer pre-cooked and dressed options if you'd rather skip the prep.

We're open Tuesday to Friday, 7:30am to 4pm, and Saturday 7:30am to 3pm. We're closed on Sundays, Mondays and bank holidays. For the freshest selection, we recommend visiting in the morning.

Parkstone Fisheries has been serving the people of Poole and Dorset for over 100 years, since the 1920s. We're proud to be one of the longest-established fishmongers in the county.

We don't currently offer gift vouchers online, but call us on 01202 747661 and we can arrange something. A seafood platter also makes a fantastic gift for food lovers.

Yes, several restaurants and private chefs across Dorset and Hampshire buy from us regularly. We offer trade-level consistency, short-notice availability, and preparation to exact specification. Call Steve on 01202 747661 to discuss trade arrangements.