A historic Oxfordshire fishmonger dating back to 1793 has relocated following a dramatic increase in rental expenses.
Aldens Fishmarket had been trading from the Osney Mead industrial estate in Oxford since 2008, welcoming shoppers six days weekly while remaining shut on Mondays.
The popular establishment served both local residents and visitors from beyond the city, providing an extensive selection of fish and shellfish.
After almost twenty years at the same site, Aldens Fishmarket has transferred to fresh premises at the nearby Meatmaster complex.
Matthew Alden, managing director of Aldens Catering Butchers, the enterprise founded in 1793 of which the fish market forms a component, expressed optimism about the change.
He outlined that substantial expenditure was needed for the fish market, with planning having occurred during the preceding summer months.
Nevertheless, the property owner chose to increase the rent twofold, making the required investment economically impractical.
Instead, the company reorganised its current facilities at Meatmaster and carried out extensive enhancements to that site, enabling the fish market’s transfer there.
The 51-year-old noted that the adjustment, with the fresh premises commencing operations on Tuesday, has proved beneficial for the organisation.
He added that this expenditure has enabled the introduction of further premium fish varieties.
It offers patrons a unique retail experience where they can obtain meat, fish, produce and vegetables from knowledgeable and proficient employees.
Crucially, the transition has secured employment, and the company is presently recruiting further staff members.
Since commencing trading earlier this week, the revamped fish market has garnered exceptional responses from customers, Matthew noted.
A longstanding fixture at the former address was the Fish 4 Lunch dining establishment on the upper level, dishing up fish and chips on Fridays and Saturdays.
This has temporarily ceased trading owing to the move but will resume at the new location during the summer season.
Established in 1793 by Isaac Alden, Aldens Catering Butchers has remained within family hands.
The enterprise initially operated from Eastwyke Farm and has always been situated in Oxford.
Right up until the 1970s, cattle, sheep and pigs were reared and processed on the farm before distribution to Aldens shops in Oxford’s historic covered market.
Throughout the twentieth century, the butcher trade enhanced its standing, supplying countless local dining establishments and educational facilities.
Matthew took the helm in 2003, following his father Richard.
In 2020, Aldens obtained the agreement to supply produce to the Houses of Parliament.
Matthew remarked at that juncture that they were pleased to be partnering with the Houses of Parliament from January.
This permits them to sustain their pledge to developing their workforce, serving their customers, supporting the local community and investing in the business’s prospects.