Matt Falvey - For the love of whelks

Gurneys Fish shop in Burnham Market has legendary status along the Norfolk coast road.

Colourful, playful and passionate, the bright blue awning catches your eye and tempts you in. Gurneys is the perfect place to be adventurous, try something new and talk with the most welcoming team in North Norfolk.

We caught up with Matt Falvey, the genius behind the store’s iconic branding and reputation, and he shared his tips for being more adventurous with seafood…

“Gurneys, when it first opened, was all about the shellfish. But today we sell everything from oysters to plaice and halibut – and I’m trying to encourage people to get back into eating whelks. They’re amazing with a good bit of aioli or sriracha sauce.

“Changes to trends in the British menu really influences the fish markets. As popular tastes shift, this really affects how well a certain fishery is supported. Oysters in particular have taken off in the last five years as the trend for raw fish grew in London and awareness of their health benefits grew in public consciousness. They’re a super food it’s said you can live on!

“If shellfish isn’t your thing, local bass is always very popular, as well as dover sole, brill and turbot. You used to see brill in the harbour at Wells-next-the-Sea, and other flat fish at the beach.

“In the summer, dressed crab and oysters are really popular. People don’t realise that we have locally caught oysters here in Norfolk! We work with a number of local suppliers, from the Lobster Man in Wells to the Sutherlands in Brancaster.

“Some Gurney’s highlights for me have been selling a prize lobster once for £100!

“Hearing customers’ feedback, however, is really what makes me keen on the job. When people come back, seeking new tastes and brimming with enthusiasm for what they last tried, that makes everything worthwhile.

“Lots of people come in who are new to seafood and ask for advice on what to eat and how to cook a range of species. So do come in and ask for a taster. We’re here to help you find what you like, and provide you with all the advice and tools to make the best dinner at home.

“From patés to prawn cocktails, pies, soups and homemade sauces, there is something for everyone.”

So do pay a visit, sample some shellfish, pick up your favourite seafood, grab some seasonal veg and take it all away in a beautiful Gurneys tote bag. It’s the tastiest retail therapy you’ll have!

Where:

Gurneys Fish Shop
Market Place
Burnham Market
Norfolk
PE31 8HF
01328738967

When:
Monday: 9-5
Tuesday: 9-5
Wednesday: 9-5
Thursday: 9-5
Friday: 9-5
Saturday: 9-5
Sunday: 9-1