Seafood bar reopens after revamp

From the archive, first published Friday 27th Apr 2007.

A POPULAR seafood bar is reopening in Benfleet this week.

The Fish Market Restaurant and seafood and oyster bar, in the High Street, will open its doors on Thursday, May 3, offering a range of locally caught delicacies.

The much-loved jellied eels, winkles and whelks which the seafood bar has sold for many years in the conservation area of Benfleet will still be on offer, but a restaurant has also been built on the site following a period of renovation.

Castle Point MP Bob Spink will launch the new restaurant. He said: "Local people feel a great attachment and warmth towards the old cockle stall.

"It is very much part of our recent history and reflects our special seafaring heritage and traditions.

"This is an iconic area and stall and I really am delighted to see it come back to life. I am particularly pleased local food will be sourced where possible."

Chef Chris Collins said: "We are reintroducing the fish stand which has been here for 50 years. We will also be selling wet fish. The restaurant will use local Essex produce including fish, beef and chicken.

"Everything is fresh - in fact the only thing frozen is the ice cream.

"We are confident we have got it right and look forward to the launch on Thursday."