Merseyside fishmonger Kevin Peet says the introduction of COVID Plan B restrictions has led to a surge in online seafood sales. Andrew Brown reports

A Southport fishmonger has revealed the types seafood that people love at Christmas and New Year and says the the new COVID restrictions have led to a surge in online orders.

Kevin Peet, the owner of Peets Plaice in Churchtown, says he is already getting busy with orders for families looking forward to enjoying the festive season. As well as running his shop on Cambridge Road, near Churchtown Lights, he also runs a home delivery service.

Since the Prime Minister announced new ‘Plan B’ Covid restrictions last week, he has seen an increase in people keen to order online. Kevin Peet said: “We find that fish is really popular over the Christmas and New Year season.

“A lot of people love serving fish and seafood as a starter when they have family and friends around. It has that wow factor. At this time of year we sell a lot of things such as smoked salmon, scallops, lobster and salmon pate, potted shrimps, prawns, dressed crab.

“Things such as that as a starter on Christmas Day, Boxing Day or New Year’s Day is something special for people. We will be selling hot smoked salmon again, that is always very popular with people at Christmas.

We are also selling some festive specials, including salmon gravlax – cured salmon in beetroot, and another salmon gravlax cured in gin and tonic. We are also adding some new specials to some popular favourites, such as smoked crevettes, lobster platter, seafood platter, lobster and smoked salmon pate, potted shrimps, and potted shrimps in oak smoked butter.

“Luxury prawns are always popular and we have bags of Arctic Royal coldwater prawns or king prawns which are quick and easy to make into a prawn salad or a prawn cocktail while you’re busy cooking your main course. We even produce a nice home-made prawn cocktail sauce that you can use with them!

“For those looking for that taste of luxury, you could make a salad or a cocktail using fresh crayfish tails instead.  We can take orders online, or over the phone if that is easier for people.

We will always deliver the next day, something you don’t get with supermarkets. As a local, family-run business with more than 40 years’ experience, you are guaranteed quality products with great, friendly service.”

Kevin is also now smoking his own fish, after investing in a brand new smoker. Over the past couple of weeks, customers have been enjoying fresh smoked cod and haddock, with Kevin planning to produce some specials for Christmas and the New Year.

He is looking forward to preparing delicious treats including smoked salmon, gravlax and crevettes. He added: “I am really looking forward to making my own smoked salmon this December.

“I am looking forward to creating some specials in the run-up to Christmas, which we will have available in our shop and also on our website. They will include gravlax, with smoked salmon cured in beetroot, and gravlax with smoked salmon cured in gin and tonic.”

This article first appeared in Stand Up For Southport