Nicholas Lynch's fish empire is an iceberg. What you see jutting out from the water – the smart shops at Ashbourne and Newbridge with their terrific selection of fish and smartly chosen foods and wines – are just the visible parts of a smart, successful piscine business that has been trading for almost 30 years.
Behind the public facade are the five fishing boats that Nick deals with, so this is a boat-to-shop business. And, in Newbridge, there is a full-time chef working behind the scenes to prepare their fish cakes, chowders, lasagnes and fish pies, which are sold in both shops. This is the way to source, select and cook fish and shellfish, with skill, knowledge and discrimination. “I stand over what we offer”, says Nick, and it's no surprise the stores have both won awards for the excellence of their offer and the skill of their staff. If you need a live lobster, some sushi, or a expertly deboned fillet of hake, then Nick's your man.
