LLANELLI’S SOLE SURVIVING FISHMONGER
LLI’S LLANELLI’S sole surviving independent fishmonger is alive, alive-oh Garrett Howells in Llanelli’s market.
The town was shoaling with five fishmongers but the advent of supermarket shopping netting shoppers led to the demise of the independent, filleting fishmen.
Garrett says being able to cater for the idiosyncrasies of loyal customers needs is what has grown his reputationand kept him in the swim in his well known corner of Llanelli’s market since 1981.
Regular shoppers come from Skewen, Treorchy and Pembroke especially on Thursday’s – market day and Saturday’s – and hake is still top of the shopping list.
The secret of his longevity and survival, Garrett says, is the personal touch with customers still wanting to see their fish being expertly filleting in front of them.
He said: “I have even had customers filming me because they think it is an art form.”
Garrett said life the other side of the counter can be a whale of fun.
Standing behind the fully stocked fish and shellfish stall he has been asked for two pork chops, train times and even if he can fillet half a pound of sprats!
Garrett admits he knowing local tide times well enough because of his more leisurely pursuit of fishing at sea “for pleasure, only,” he insists.
There is not much about the fish he sells that Garrett does not know and when being interviewed he was explaining to regular customers from Swansea nuances of sewin and salmon.
Regular customer Beryl Thomas from Sandy Road, Llanelli, said: “Gary, as I call him, is second to none and a total one off.
“It is banter from market stallholders like him that is keeping Llanelli’s heart beating.”
The Carmarthenshire council run market has undergone a £500,000 makeover. Lighting has been upgraded, ventilation improved, the floor retiled, automatic doors installed and signage improved the building upgraded for disabled access where appropriate.
CAPTION:
JUST FINTATIC: Regular customer Beryl Thomas thinks it is the shopping experience that Garrett provides is what is keeping Llanelli’s shopping experience “alive, alive-oh!”
PRESS NOTE: For further information please contact Carmarthenshire Council regeneration press officer Ron Cant on 01267-224923 or 07811101531
The town was shoaling with five fishmongers but the advent of supermarket shopping netting shoppers led to the demise of the independent, filleting fishmen.
Garrett says being able to cater for the idiosyncrasies of loyal customers needs is what has grown his reputationand kept him in the swim in his well known corner of Llanelli’s market since 1981.
Regular shoppers come from Skewen, Treorchy and Pembroke especially on Thursday’s – market day and Saturday’s – and hake is still top of the shopping list.
The secret of his longevity and survival, Garrett says, is the personal touch with customers still wanting to see their fish being expertly filleting in front of them.
He said: “I have even had customers filming me because they think it is an art form.”
Garrett said life the other side of the counter can be a whale of fun.
Standing behind the fully stocked fish and shellfish stall he has been asked for two pork chops, train times and even if he can fillet half a pound of sprats!
Garrett admits he knowing local tide times well enough because of his more leisurely pursuit of fishing at sea “for pleasure, only,” he insists.
There is not much about the fish he sells that Garrett does not know and when being interviewed he was explaining to regular customers from Swansea nuances of sewin and salmon.
Regular customer Beryl Thomas from Sandy Road, Llanelli, said: “Gary, as I call him, is second to none and a total one off.
“It is banter from market stallholders like him that is keeping Llanelli’s heart beating.”
The Carmarthenshire council run market has undergone a £500,000 makeover. Lighting has been upgraded, ventilation improved, the floor retiled, automatic doors installed and signage improved the building upgraded for disabled access where appropriate.
CAPTION:
JUST FINTATIC: Regular customer Beryl Thomas thinks it is the shopping experience that Garrett provides is what is keeping Llanelli’s shopping experience “alive, alive-oh!”
PRESS NOTE: For further information please contact Carmarthenshire Council regeneration press officer Ron Cant on 01267-224923 or 07811101531
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