The fishmongers opposite Chequers pub at the junction of the High Street with Vernon Road is one of a pair which make up the business of N&A Fishmongers. These popular shops sell fish from all over the world.
After a recent refurbishment, there is more space in the shop with freezer chests to the right and fish displayed on counters in an L shape ahead and to the right on entry. They do still have fish displayed with part of the counter facing a large plate glass window, so that my wife can stay outside and avoid the smell. After a lot of staring and pointing, I go in while she directs me in my purchases. I've noticed a lot of similar tactics employed by couples shopping. This is not a fancy place with fish wrapped up in cellophane on plastic trays. The floor gets wet, scales, blood and guts get removed at speed. The guys who work here chat and enjoy their work. For strange people like me who like their shopping vibrant, it's a great place to shop. There are usually plenty of other customers.
Between the two shops, N&A completely outclasses Sainsbury's in the range of fish they offer. They sell by the pound and by the box, as well as selling deep frozen fish in bags. For those who know what to do with them, they even sell salmon fish heads.
As at 16 November 2007, a box of Red Bream cost ₤14.55.
Among many other fish, they sell octopus at ₤2.99 per lb, live crab at ₤1.99 per lb, yellow crocker at ₤1.29 per lb, tervally jack at ₤1.39 per lb, cat fish at ₤1.79 per lb, herring at ₤1.99 per lb, pomfret at ₤3.59 per lb, sprats at ₤1.20 per lb and king prawn at ₤5.99 per lb.