There's something undeniably charming about stepping into a local fishmonger—the briny aroma of the sea, the glistening catch of the day laid out on ice, and the friendly nod from the fishmonger who knows just how you like your fillets. Recently, I had the pleasure of spending a day (starting at a gruelling 5 am) with Alex at Moxon’s Fishmonger in East Dulwich, and it was an experience that rekindled my appreciation for fresh, locally sourced seafood.

A Brief History of Moxon’s

Moxon’s Fishmongers has been a staple in London’s seafood scene since its inception over 30 years ago. Founded by Robert Moxon with a passion for providing the freshest fish and shellfish to the community, Moxon’s has grown from a single shop (Clapham South) to multiple locations across the city.

Clapham South - Clapham South Underground Station
East Dulwich - 151 Lordship Lane, SE22 8HX
South Kensington - 17 Bute Street, SW7 3EY
Islington - 110 Islington High Street, N1 8EG

After years of building a trusted network of suppliers and sources for fresh fish, they realised that the available smoked fish options in London didn’t quite meet their standards. Determined to close this gap, they took matters into their own hands and launched the Wimbledon Smokehouse to supply fish products wholesale and via their online shop. Here, they craft a range of smoked products, from salmon to kippers, ensuring every item can be traced to its original source and meets Moxon’s stringent quality standards.

The Wimbledon Smokehouse - Online shop

If you’re interested, you can also read about our visit to ACME Smoked Fish in New York City here

What’s on Offer at Moxon’s

Walking into Moxon’s, you're immediately greeted by a stunning array of seafood. Here's what you can expect:

Fresh Fish: From succulent salmon and cod to more exotic options like monkfish and sea bass, the selection is both extensive and enticing.
Shellfish: Various oysters, mussels, clams, and prawns are available, sourced fresh and ready for your next culinary adventure. A lot of the shellfish is served live, ensuring you get the freshest possible produce.
Ready-to-Eat Delights: Moxon’s offers a range of smoked fish and prepared dishes like fishcakes and seafood salads for those on the go.
Fridge Items: Complement your seafood with sauces, marinades, and accompaniments carefully selected to enhance the flavours of the sea.
Fresh Vegetables and Herbs: A small but thoughtful selection of fresh produce ensures you have everything you need for a complete dish.
Pantry staples: Moxon’s East Dulwich stocks plenty of fish-related pantry items to help you put together a complete meal. Sushi rice, spices and sauces are available to accompany your fresh produce.
Local suppliers: Moxon’s also stocks goods like hot sauces from local suppliers in the area

The Moxon’s Process: From Sea to Shop

One of the standout aspects of Moxon’s is their commitment to quality and freshness. Unlike other shops that rely on large London markets, Moxon’s sources directly from trusted suppliers. This approach ensures that the seafood is as fresh as possible. I met Alex and Robin at 5 am outside their East Dulwich store, where they unloaded the day's delivery, including catches from the night before.

Once the fish has been delivered, the team cracks on by cleaning, prepping, and displaying the fish, ready for the first customers who walk into the store at 9 o’clock.

*It’s an early start for owner Robin and manager Alex*

A Peek into Pricing

While prices can fluctuate based on market rates and seasonal availability, here are some examples to give you an idea of how much you will end up spending (prices on 1st November 2024):

Salmon Fillets: £32.50 per kg
Yellowfin Tuna (Sushi grade): £29.95 per kg
Wild Sea Bass: £23 per kg
Swordfish: £29.99 per kg
John Dory: £22.50 per kg
Turbot: £35 per kg
Huss: 9.99 per kg
Dover Sole: £37.50 per kg
Mackeral: £8.50 per kg
Red Mullet: £23.60 per kg
King Prawns: Roughly £20 per kilogram
Fresh Oysters: About £1.50 each
Scallops: £39.95 per kg
Native Lobster: £45 per kg

Why Choose a Local Fishmonger?

Shopping at Moxon’s Fishmongers does come with a slightly higher price tag than your typical supermarket seafood, but the benefits are worth every penny. When you buy from a local fishmonger like Moxon’s, you’re not only getting some of the freshest seafood in London, but you’re also supporting a community-focused business. Moxon’s staff know their fish inside and out, so whether you’re curious about the best way to cook monkfish or looking for a creative side dish to pair with smoked trout, their personalised advice makes all the difference.

Beyond just quality, shopping at Moxon’s means knowing exactly where your seafood comes from. They source responsibly, with a focus on sustainability, so you can feel confident about what you’re bringing home. The experience is tailored, too—fish is cut and prepped to your specifications, and you’ll often find unique seasonal options that big retailers don’t offer. The extra cost reflects a commitment to better sourcing, fresher flavours, and the joy of shopping local, which brings an added layer of care and quality to your meals.

While it might not be practical for everyone to get all their fish from a local fishmonger (we certainly don’t), it’s worth making the trip for special date-night dinners or when you’re hosting friends and family for a dinner party. The quality and flavour make those occasions feel even more memorable.

Tips for Buying Fresh Fish at a Fishmonger

I asked Alex, the manager, for his top tips for anyone who might feel a bit intimidated walking into a fishmonger or simply wants to make the most of the experience. Here’s what he had to say:

Ask Questions: Don't hesitate to engage with the staff. They can recommend the best fish for your needs and advise on preparation methods.
Check for Freshness: Look for clear eyes, shiny scales, and a clean scent—these are indicators of fresh fish.
Explore New Options: Venture beyond your usual selections. Seasonal and local varieties are often at their peak flavour and value.
Plan Ahead: If you're looking for something specific or in larger quantities, consider calling ahead to ensure availability.

Following his advice, I asked Alex what he’d recommend for dinner that night. I left with a beautiful whole John Dory, some vibrant purple potatoes, and fresh fennel. With his instructions, I roasted everything to perfection, and the result was absolutely sublime!

Here’s a tip from us at Hungry Soles: when you buy from a local fishmonger (or butcher), ask for the whole fish or cut and try prepping it yourself at home. You’ll get extra value by using the trimmings, bones, and other bits to create delicious stocks, sauces, or even new dishes. It’s a fantastic way to stretch your purchase and add variety to your meals. Below, you’ll see some photos from when we bought a whole salmon and made multiple dishes using every part—talk about getting the most from your catch!

Complete guide coming in our newsletter soon

Also, keep an eye on our digital cookbook

In Conclusion

The next time you plan a meal, consider skipping the supermarket aisle in favour of visiting Your local fishmonger. Combining fresh, high-quality seafood and personalised service elevates your culinary endeavours and supports a local business dedicated to its craft.

Moxon’s Fishmonger

149 Lordship Lane, East Dulwich, London SE22 8HX

Open Tuesday to Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. Closed on Mondays.

Have you visited Moxon’s, or have a favorite local fishmonger? Share your experiences in the comments below!

Discovering Moxon’s Fishmonger in East Dulwich: A Fresh Catch in London