WHY WE LOVE... STAITHE SMOKEHOUSE
We’re determined to keep shouting about the incredible local suppliers who we are so proud to be able to support and stock. This week we caught up with STAITHE SMOKEHOUSE; a traditional fish smokehouse located on the idyllic North Norfolk coast in the village of Brancaster Staithe, who also make the most INCREDIBLE smoked salt (we just can’t get enough of it)…
Tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Phil. I was born in Australia. My wife is the Head chef of the White Horse, Brancaster Staithe so food is a big topic at home. Plus, the fact I'm a bit old fashioned and enjoy the slow and easy pace of life, artisan food smoking is a cool way of life.
What made you set up Staithe Smokehouse?
Food smoking was a hobby of mine. I often said to my wife I'd love to have my hobby as a job and here I am. I actually took on the artisan style of fish smoking from Simon Letzer. He and his dad had smoked fish locally for years, and Simon was moving to Scotland and asked if we were interested in buying his business. So, we bought it and I worked with him for a few months to learn the old style a few secrets and techniques that he used, and here I am.
Who is part of your team?
I work by myself, but my wonderful wife helps me, alongside working full time at The White Horse. I have the shop open from 10am to 3pm, but I'm smoking around the clock. Summertime is really early starts with 3am smokes, as its the coolest time of night.
Where do you source your ingredients?
I use fish suppliers from Lowestoft. My salmon is Scottish and so is my haddock. I also sell local Brancaster Mussels and Oysters. I do my best to try and use local, if not sustainable and environmentally friendly.
How has the current pandemic affected you and what are your plans for the future? (Have you learnt anything along the way which has actually been positive?)
Well. Covid killed off my foot traffic to my shop and wholesale side of the business. We started the home delivery side of things over a weekend.
But I have seen a lot of new people who are discovering artisan and local food. People who don't know what a Smokehouse is but are fascinated about what I do.
What's the best thing about the area you live in?
The best thing is the view and being able to eat local produce while looking at it. You can see from my Smokehouse where the oysters and mussels come from. You can even meet some of the fishermen at the harbour. Scolt Head Island sits on the horizon, so I get to sit every day and enjoy a cuppa out front of my little shop.
