Seasonal Fish Calendar

Bass

Wild-caught is best summer to autumn (closed Feb-Mar for spawning); farmed available year-round.

Shop wild bass · Read our bass guide

Origin: South Coast, UK (wild); Greece or Turkey (farmed)

Cod

At its best in colder months when the flesh is firm and flaky.

Shop cod · Read our cod guide

Origin: North Atlantic

Mackerel

Locally landed summer favourite. Incredible on the barbecue.

Shop mackerel · Read our mackerel guide

Origin: Dorset Coast, UK (local whenever available); Shetland Islands

Dover Sole

The king of flat fish. Best pan-fried in butter.

Read our dover sole guide

Origin: English Channel; Dorset Coast (local)

Plaice

Sweet, delicate flavour. Look for orange spots on the skin. Best May to December.

Shop plaice · Read our plaice guide

Origin: English Channel; Dorset Coast (local)

Haddock

Available all year round. Excellent smoked or in fish and chips. Best in winter.

Shop smoked haddock · Read our haddock guide

Origin: Norway, Denmark, Iceland

Salmon

Scottish farmed available year-round; wild salmon peaks in summer.

Shop Loch Duart salmon · Read our salmon guide

Origin: Scotland (Loch Duart), Norway

Lobster

Dorset pot-caught lobster, available all year round. Available through the winter too, though weather makes it harder to land and prices are higher.

Shop lobster · Read our lobster guide

Origin: Dorset Coast, UK

Crab

Brown crab caught by our local pot fishermen. Available all year round, at its best September through to March. Dressed crab and crabmeat hand-picked in house, on our counter.

Shop dressed crab · Read our crab guide

Origin: Dorset Coast, UK

Mussels

As a guideline, follow the "R in the month" rule. Available all year, but summer yields are smaller while they spawn.

Shop mussels · Read our mussels guide

Origin: Southwest; Shetland rope grown

Oysters

Rock oysters all year round. They are triploid, so they do not spawn. Natives September to April.

Shop rock oysters · Read our oysters guide

Origin: Local and Jersey

Scallops

Hand-dived when possible. Sear quickly in a hot pan.

Shop scallops · Read our scallops guide

Origin: English Channel; Shetland

Sardines

Larger sardines are also called pilchards. Brilliant grilled whole with sea salt.

Origin: Cornwall/Dorset, UK

Monkfish

Firm, meaty texture, often called "poor man's lobster". Ideal for curries and kebabs.

Shop monkfish · Read our monkfish guide

Origin: Shetland Isles, Scotland; Southwest, Cornwall

Turbot

Premium flat fish with rich, buttery flesh. Worth every penny.

Read our turbot guide

Origin: English Channel

Lemon Sole

Lighter and more affordable than Dover sole. Lovely pan-fried.

Shop lemon sole · Read our lemon sole guide

Origin: English Channel

Rainbow Trout

Responsibly farmed locally. An everyday fish, available all year round.

Read our rainbow trout guide

Origin: Local only

Ray Wings

Classic with black butter and capers. Check for sustainability.

Read our ray wings guide

Origin: English Channel; also local