25/08/2026
NFF MEMBER SHOWCASE: Parkstone Fisheries 🐟
We are thrilled to highlight Steve & Tess Gillingham, the team behind Parkstone Fisheries in Ashley Cross, Poole! Their story is a masterclass in dedication, heritage, and passion for British fishmongery.
⚓ From Saturday Boy to South Coast Wholesale
Steve’s career started back in 1978 as a Saturday boy at his local fishmonger in Fordingbridge, Hampshire. That weekend job quickly sparked a lifelong passion, leading Steve to eventually take over that business. Together, Steve and Tess spent the next 25+ years building and running a highly successful fresh fish and seafood wholesale operation on the South Coast—supplying local catering and hospitality trades.
🏪 Reviving a 100-Year Heritage
Driven by a desire to get back to what they loved most—traditional, face-to-face retail fishmongering—they seized the opportunity when a long-established shop in Ashley Cross became available. After a complete refurbishment, they reopened Parkstone Fisheries, continuing a fishmongering tradition on those exact premises that dates all the way back to the 1920s! Four years later, they haven't looked back.
🤝 The Heart of the Shop: Team & Loyalty
A business is only as strong as its team, and Steve & Tess are proud to work alongside Jason, who first joined them in 1995. Celebrating 31 years together, Jason’s incredible skill, experience, loyalty, and exceptional customer relation skills represent the true spirit of Parkstone Fisheries, along with ex fisherman Martin who has cemented himself as a valued and indespsable team member bringing exceptional trade experience to the table.
🔪 Preserving Traditional Craft for the Next Gen
Fishmongering is a highly skilled trade covering knife work, filleting, seasonality, sustainability, and quality sourcing. Steve and Tess regularly welcome work experience students into their shop to share their knowledge, and they actively advocate for more formal apprenticeships so these vital skills aren't lost to time.
💻 Craft Over Computers
As Steve & Tess put it: technology and online ordering have their place, but AI cannot stand behind a counter. An algorithm can't expertly fillet, skin, or pin-bone a fish to a customer's exact request, nor can it judge quality from years of hands-on experience or build real relationships with fishermen and local shoppers. The ideal future combines modern convenience with traditional, human craftsmanship.
🌊 Respecting the Sea-to-Plate Journey
Steve & Tess want to help the public understand the true value of fresh seafood and the hard work of our fishermen, who face rising fuel and equipment costs to bring home a catch. When you shop at an independent fishmonger, you aren't just buying fish—you’re investing in quality, provenance, expert preparation, and personalized advice. And eating healthy seafood doesn't have to be expensive; a skilled fishmonger will always guide you toward great seasonal, budget-friendly alternatives!
📍 Visit the Team: Pop in to see Steve, Tess, and Jason at Ashley Cross, Poole, Dorset BH14 0ES | ☎️ 01202 747661.
📢 WANT YOUR SHOP FEATURED NEXT?
We’ve already reached out to several member shops to feature over the coming weeks, but we’d love to showcase as many of our amazing NFF members as possible!
If you'd like to share your shop’s story, skills, and passion, drop us a DM or send us a message directly to get involved. 💬👇
