Out & About Summer 2021

Out&About food & drink

FISH SIMON RHODES looks forward to a new venture, with the opening of his fishmongers in Hungerford, and encourages fish lovers to get cooking on the barbecue

W ow! What a had – sadly it has not been a pleasurable ride and there have certainly been more downs than ups. Our whole food industry has been thrown directly under the spotlight due to much of it being imported and with all the restrictions, we have seen a significant increase in prices. However, there is a glimmer of good news, we have seen a return of customers using local, independent shops and seeing the benefits of shopping there – a friendly face, a community spirit where you catch up with people you used to see all the time at recreational clubs or even at the pub. It’s a chance to discover local products, food that roller coaster of a year and a half we have relaxed way of shopping – perhaps how it used to be or, more importantly, how it should be. What we have also discovered during our restricted months is that time is important – time with our family and for ourselves. A need for community spirit has never been stronger. Us humans, as a rule, don’t like to be solitary for too long. We are social animals and love nothing more than a good story or a natter or even some gossip. actually tastes more wholesome and less processed and a more

So maybe, just maybe, we may see a big shift in the way we shop. Maybe, just maybe, we may see lots of small independent shops open by young entrepreneurs and the High Street may once again be a bustling, interesting and vibrant place to visit. With this optimistic approach for a return to traditional independent Let me suggest a nice piece of swordfish, simply seasoned, lightly oiled and placed on the grill for about 6-8 minutes. Remember to get the griddle marks crossed over at 45 degrees (it’s an OCD thing for chefs, but does look amazing) Accompany this with a little herb dressing. Forage a Barbecued swordfish

shopping I have decided to open The Lobster Pot Fishmongers in the High Street in Hungerford – right next door to an old fashioned butchers shop and opposite a bakery. Anyway as I write this the sun is pushing hard through the clouds and the temperature is getting higher by the minute. Which can only mean one bunch of mixed herbs from your garden or someone else’s garden, blitz it all together with some olive oil, garlic, a splash of white wine vinegar, a hint of Dijon mustard and a good squeeze of lemon, and sea- son to taste. If you are feeling totally continental why not go for the griddled fish platter?

Prawns, tuna, salmon, and scallops all seared on the flames and served with some quality smoked salm- on, a few oysters, a wedge of lemon and hey presto with the help of a little sun, and a bottle of chilled Sauvignon you’ve just got yourself a cheap (albeit brief) holiday in France, Spain or Greece – and no need to quarantine. thing – it must be barbecue season once again. Does fish go well on a barbecue? – you betchya it does. In fact, fish is something that tastes totally amazing and will definitely step in from the subs bench should you be thinking that you want to try something a little more adventurous on your flames.

The Lobster Pot Fishmongers, High Street, Hungerford, opens on Saturday, June 26

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O&A SUMMER 2021