New seafood concept store at The District

By Jack Hayes

There are often three non-negotiables customers refer to when visiting their local fish shop: quality, affordability and freshness.

It isn’t often, however, that all three are met by the one store. That is, until now.

In October last year, Fish Pier managing director Albert Lau, opened the company’s first ever concept store at The District Docklands’ Market Lane, offering locals a level of shopping convenience only matched by the quality of produce.

“We have almost 20 shops in Melbourne, but this is the first of its kind. You’re not met with the usual fishy smell of a fish shop as all of our products are cleaned, filleted, packaged and priced in store,” Mr Lau said.

“The store has been designed especially for the busy lifestyle of the locals and makes shopping for seafood easy with the choice to buy fresh from the market, seafood off the ice or pre-packaged for your convenience, so you can just take it straight home, cook it and eat it.”

“Our staff are happy to help you with selection and cooking tips; and we can do seafood platters for special occasions.”

Veering from the traditional over-the-counter transaction with your fishmonger, the design of Fish Pier, Market Lane allows customers to roam throughout the store, carefully choosing between a range of whole and filleted fish, sourced daily from Melbourne’s wholesale fish markets.

Complementing the array of locally sourced fresh fish, which includes premium quality salmon, tuna, kingfish and scallops, is a range of carcasses, fish heads and fish stock to salmon caviar, crayfish and abalone to please even the most discerning palate.

“As well as our exclusive lines, we are also becoming known for our oysters. Delivered in store every day, we choose the best from our suppliers in Coffin Bay, the Sydney Rocks and Tasmania,” Mr Lau said.

“Customers are able to watch our team member Stan shucking them fresh in store every morning. Take them to go or eat them right away – grab a lemon wedge, use our complimentary sauces and take a seat at a convenient table.” 

Mr Lau, who has started his day the same way for the past two decades by journeying to Melbourne’s wholesale fish markets at 2am, admitted it had been a slow start since opening late last year, but was encouraged by the gradual return of workers and visitors to the area.

“We chose Docklands because of the apartment lifestyle with high-density living and residents that are after easy and convenient quality seafood,” he said.

Fish Pier, Market Lane is open seven days a week from 10am until 7pm with free 90-minute parking at Market Lane •

Fish Pier is an easy option for locals looking to buy fresh from the market seafood whatever day of the week, whatever time of the day •

For more information, visit: fishpier.com.au