Former Davy’s Locker team members have opened a new fishmongers in Bridport, marking a fresh start after the well-known business closed last year.
Paul Wickham and Keith Laver, who together bring more than 60 years of experience, have launched the new venture at the Chesil Smokery premises on the Old Laundry Industrial Estate in Sea Road North.
The pair say they are delighted to have brought their combined experience following the closure of Davy’s Locker.
Mr Wickham said: “After the misery of having to shut the doors on Davy’s Locker last autumn, we are delighted to welcome our old friends and customers to our new venture. It’s been heartening to receive such warm support."
The pair met when they worked at Samways Fish Merchants in the town.
Mr Wickham and Mr Laver have been at the smokery for more than a month now with Mr Wickham saying: "It has been good. We have had an awful lot of our old customers come in."
The difference now is that the pair have moved away from the wholesale market which Mr Wickham described as 'better' and explained that he enjoys the more customer-facing role.
He added: "This is a dying trade, there is not many of us left."
Davy’s Locker, previously based at the Dreadnought Trading Estate, had built a reputation for supplying high-quality fish and shellfish sourced daily from west country ports and across the UK.
However, the business closed last year, with its owner citing a 'massive decline' in the hospitality industry as a key factor. Rising wholesale prices for fresh produce also impacted the viability of the business.
Chesil Smokery owner Fiona Firth said the new collaboration had already proven successful.
Mrs Firth said: “Paul and Keith are such fun to work with, and so knowledgeable about sourcing the freshest fish at the most sensible prices.
“Selling the finest fresh fish alongside what we believe to be the best smoked fish in the UK is proving a really good fit.
“We are, of course, very hopeful this new chapter will be a success, but would remind all readers of the old adage, use us or lose us.”
Chesil Smokery is a long‑established artisan smokery, specialising in traditionally smoked fish and meats using their own on‑site kilns. It was founded in 2011 after the rescue and restoration of an old Bridport smokery.
The smokery focuses on sourcing from local, ethical and sustainable producers where possible and smokes with carefully graded oak and apple wood chips from British trees to achieve a consistent, distinctive flavour.
Fresh Fish at Chesil Smokery can be found at Old Laundry Industrial Estate, Sea Road North, Bridport DT6 3BD and is open Tuesday - Saturday from 7am-1pm.
