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Steve Hatt Fishmongers

food shops markets•
London
London

Steve Hatt Fishmongers

88–90 Essex Rd, London N1 8LU, United Kingdom

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Christoff

Christoff's Take

Insider review

Some places earn their reputation through flashy marketing, others through decades of simply being brilliant at what they do. Steve Hatt Fishmongers falls firmly into the latter category. This family-run Essex Road institution has been serving London's freshest seafood since 1989, and the Saturday queues stretching out the door tell you everything you need to know about quality.

Steve Hatt: Where Islington Gets Its Proper Fish Fix

A legendary fishmonger that's been doing things right since 1989

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Step inside Steve Hatt and you're transported to an old-school market experience that's become increasingly rare in modern London. The white-tiled counter creates that authentic fishmonger aesthetic, while the space buzzes with genuine energy - multi-language chatter fills the air as locals from across Islington's diverse community gather for their weekly seafood fix. With an energy level that hits 7.5 out of 10, there's a palpable sense of community here that transforms a simple shopping trip into something more meaningful. The vibe is refreshingly unpretentious - this isn't about sophistication or trendy aesthetics, but rather that warm, family-run atmosphere where everyone feels welcome. The bustling buzz creates a proper market feel that's both authentic and community-focused, making it clear why this place has become such an integral part of the local fabric.

Food & Drink

The quality here is genuinely exceptional, and that's not just local loyalty talking. Steve Hatt sources daily from Billingsgate Market, which means what you're getting is as fresh as it gets in London. The sashimi-grade tuna alone justifies the trip - this is restaurant-quality fish at market prices. Their range spans from wild seabass and Scottish salmon to live lobsters, dressed crab, mackerel, and sardines. What sets them apart is the skilled staff who gut and fillet to order, ensuring you get exactly what you need while the fish is at peak freshness. The daily Billingsgate sourcing means the selection varies with what's best on any given day, and their commitment to sustainable British seafood shows they're thinking beyond just profit margins.

Service & Experience

The service here strikes that perfect balance between efficiency and genuine care. Staff don't just process your order - they'll fillet and gut your fish to order while sharing cooking tips and recipe ideas. This personal touch transforms a transaction into an educational experience, particularly valuable for those less confident with preparing fresh seafood. The team clearly knows their product inside out, and their willingness to share knowledge creates that community hub feeling that's reflected in the venue's character. Even during busy periods, they maintain this helpful approach, though you'll need patience during peak times.

Value for Money

Here's where Steve Hatt truly shines - they consistently beat supermarket prices while delivering sashimi-grade quality. At a price level of 1 out of 4, this represents exceptional value in London's expensive food landscape. Getting restaurant-quality fish at fair market prices feels almost too good to be true, but it's the reality of shopping at a proper fishmonger who sources directly and efficiently. The combination of superior freshness, expert preparation, and competitive pricing makes this one of London's genuine bargains for anyone serious about seafood quality.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Tuesday through Thursday at 8am opening offers the sweet spot - zero queues and first pick of the daily catch. Avoid Saturdays unless you're prepared for 20+ minute waits, though the quality makes it worthwhile if you have the time.

What to Focus On

The sashimi-grade tuna is their claim to fame and absolutely worth trying. Wild seabass and Scottish salmon are reliable choices, while the live lobsters and dressed crab offer something special for weekend treats.

Christoff's Insider Tips

Bring your own bag for bonus eco points and to reduce plastic waste - locals know this trickTake advantage of the staff's willingness to share cooking tips and recipe ideas - they're genuinely knowledgeableThe 800m walk from Highbury & Islington tube along Essex Road's main shopping strip makes it easy to combine with other errands

The Final Verdict

Steve Hatt represents everything a proper fishmonger should be - family-run warmth, exceptional quality, fair prices, and genuine expertise. With a Google rating of 4.8 out of 5, this isn't just local sentiment but recognition of consistent excellence. The combination of daily Billingsgate sourcing, sashimi-grade quality, and prices that beat supermarkets creates something genuinely special in London's food landscape. Yes, you might queue on Saturdays, but for this level of freshness and value, it's a small price to pay. This is how food retail should work - personal, authentic, and focused on quality above all else.

Christoff's Rating:
8.7/10

Perfect For:

home cooks seeking restaurant-quality seafoodlocals wanting to support authentic family businessesanyone tired of supermarket fish quality and prices

Quick Details

1

Steve Hatt Fishmongers

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family run warmth
⭐️ Authentic local
⭐️ Bustling buzz
💰 Everyday affordable

The white-tiled counter at Steve Hatt buzzes with multilingual chatter as skilled staff gut and fillet sashimi-grade tuna to order. This legendary Islington fishmonger has sourced daily from Billingsgate Market since 1989, creating a family-run operation where Scottish salmon, wild seabass, live lobsters, and dressed crab meet old-school market expertise. Saturday queues stretch out the door as locals arrive with their own bags, knowing they'll get ultra-fresh, sustainable British seafood at prices that beat supermarket chains. The authentic market atmosphere combines fair pricing with genuine expertise, making this a true community hub where cooking tips flow as freely as the daily catch recommendations.

What's Great

✓ Staff fillet fish to order while sharing cooking tips

✓ Prices beat supermarkets for sashimi-grade quality

Keep in Mind

× Saturday queues can stretch 20+ minutes during peak times

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

Hit Tuesday-Thursday at 8am opening for zero queue and first pick of daily catch

Vibe check scores

Trendiness
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Venue details

🕐"Tuesday-Saturday: 8am-5pm"
📍88–90 Essex Rd, London N1 8LU, United Kingdom
💷££
📞+44 20 7226 3963
🌐Website

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Steve Hatt Fishmongers has been featured in 4 of my curated guides. Here's where you can find more context and discover similar spots.

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