Phil's Plaice

Phil Coltherd runs Phil's Plaice from a unit at Cliffords Fort on North Shields Fish Quay, a few minutes' walk from where the day boats land. Fish is prepared and on the counter within minutes of coming off the boats, filleted and dressed to order by a small team of fishmongers. Stock depends on the tide and the season: whole local fish, dressed crab, and a range of frozen seafood alongside it. Coltherd works with Seafish and the Marine Stewardship Council to steer customers towards better choices, favouring day-boat and line-caught fish where he can and RSPCA-assured farmed salmon when it is not. The shop closes by early afternoon most days, once the fresh stock has sold.