*AD Gifted / Press Event*
On Thursday Evening I was invited to a small intimate preview and menu tasting at Rockfish, the new seafood restaurant opening up along Poole Quay, along with other bloggers and press.
The restaurant takes prime location in what used to be the Purbeck Pottery, an old building which used to sell one off and quirky gifts and crockery. It is far from what it used to be. The space has been utilised perfectly with the kitchen taking over what used to be the back room, which you can see the chefs cooking your amazing dish. The interior is based on the seaside and waterfront and the added touch of person photos make it a brand that feels like a family.
Fun Fact – when they started fitting out the site they found the place was only running on two plug sockets.
Laura who hosted the evening done a fantastic job of introducing us to the management team – Dave and Ben. She spoke to us a bit about the concept around Rockfish and got us to try a few drinks before Kirk Gosden, chef director, came and joined us to give us the run down of the business and where the seafood comes from.
So firstly the Gin! Yes that right!! Rockfish have their own gin, Seafood Coast Gin, which is has been distilled by the Devon distillery. Its a gin that is smooth and very drinkable with just ice, add a bit of light tonic water and it turns it sweet and refreshing. Something that I’d find easy to drink while eating.
‘England’s seafood coast produces some of the finest fish in the world and there’s nothing better than eating it by the sea, simply prepared on the day it was landed.’ – Mitch Tonks – founder
We also got to try Xarello, a white wine that was blended by some of the Rockfish staff. They wanted to create a wine that has the same affect of squeezing a lemon over fish. To me, this certainly done that. I’ll admit I really dislike wine, but this is something I would not mind ordering to eat with. I normally find food changes the way the wine tastes, but this doesn’t.
All of Rockfish’s restaurants are located in seaside or waterfront towns, apart from their Exeter branch. They specialise in sustainable seafood and the fish is either brought from Brixham market or caught by their own fisherman Nick on the Rockfisher. The fish is prepared every morning and delivered to all 8 restaurants before appearing on your plate all in the same day. How amazing is that? Your getting the best fish, that’s as fresh as it can be.
The actual reason I was excited about attending the event was the food. So lets get down to it. To start the evening while Laura and Kirk talked us through the above we were given some Appetisers to start; Leigh-On-Sea Cockles & Malt Vinegar, Manzanilla Olives, Guindilla Peppers and Marinated Anchovies.
Kirk, being the chef director, has excellent knowledge of what we had being served up in front of us. How to cook it, what to serve it with and how to get the best out of the fish or seafood in front of us. It’s nice to see someone so passionate about the food they cook and also enjoys eating it himself.
‘Tomorrow’s fish are still in the sea’
Before our starters came out Ben, the assistant manager gave us a preview of how our table clothes are used to show case what fish could be ordered that’s not on the menu. He circled the relevant fish that was in, told us how it’ll be served and how much it would be. this is something that a lot of restaurants lack, that personal touch to knowing what you’re delivering to your costumers.
Let’s get back to the food. Over the cause of the next hour we were fed extremely well with four starters, four mains and three desserts between us. Kirk talked us through every single dish (see below for what we tried). All mains are served with either a mixed salad or unlimited freshly made chips with still or sparkling water. When you put that into consideration the coast of a £14+ fish that’s fresh as fresh can be is not pricey at all.
The only Started I failed to get a picture of was the Roasted Half Scallops with Garlic and Breadcrumbs.
In summary this is a fantastic seafood restaurant in a primary location along Poole Quay. The staff have great knowledge and enthusiasm for the brand. I’d recommend trying the Crispy Fried Salt & Pepper Brixham ‘Calamari’, Roast Gurnard – if it is on the menu, and the Gluten Free Churros for Dessert. If your a gin lover then go for the gin! I’ll definitly be visiting this seafood treasure, once it officially opens after the 27th January this year.
Price: ££-£££ // Where: Poole Quay, Dorset // Phone: 01202 836255 // Website: https://www.therockfish.co.uk/restaurants/poole/
ginandcoast.co.uk 