Meet one of our trusted fish suppliers: Fish for Kings
by Laura Forsyth | 1st November, 2022 | About Lions Prep
At Lions Prep, we pride ourselves on quality, which is at the core of our business values. But we wouldn’t be able to achieve these high standards if it weren’t for our fantastic suppliers. Over the years, we have nurtured long-term relationships with 20 trusted suppliers from the UK and afar.
The food team are in direct contact with them to make sure that they help to reach our top-tier standards. However, our success is theirs too. Which is why want to showcase the people behind the brand. Here we put the spotlight on one of our fish suppliers Fish For Kings.
About Fish for Kings: our trusted supplier
Fish For Kings have been our main fish supplier for over a year now. This family-run business is based in Ilfracombe, North Devon. They source their fish from as local as possible to ensure the freshest produce, and low food miles.
Offering sea to plate is their aim and they pride themselves on quality from the freshness, to the way they prepare the items. All fish is prepped by hand in their own premises based in Bethnal Green, east London. Fish For Kings work with a range of clients from Premier League football teams to Fortune 500 companies. So you know you have scored top-of-the-league produce here!
The concept for Miami Foods came about when Tom moved to South Beach in Miami. Here he embraced the vibrant lifestyle there, as well as the clean foods that tasted as good as they looked. He came back to the UK inspired, where he and business partner Loui joined forces. They worked together in an effort to redesign staple food favourites. All with a focus on lowering saturated fats content and high calories. But still keeping the delicious taste of the nation’s favourite proteins.
A family affair
Meet one of the friendly faces behind Fish For Kings – Wayne Wharton. Fish for Kings was founded by Wayne in 1998. He started his career in the fish trade from the age of 15 studying at Falmouth College, where he completed a three-year course with the highest accolade. This was Wayne’s introduction into the fresh fish industry.
To learn the process inside out, he began working on fishing boats and spent four years mastering the trade and learning hands on everything there was to know about the industry. When moving to London, Wayne managed the prestigious fish counter at Harrods, prior to starting Fish For Kings. He says:
“I have been involved in the fish industry for most of my life. My brothers and I began fishing when we were young. Starting with a small boat and working our way up. My father was in the Navy with my uncle, so the sea was ever-present in me.”
As Fish for Kings is a family-run business, Wayne’s wife, daughters and nephew are all involved. Plus, Wayne’s brothers own six boats based in North Devon. So, having that family connection direct on the coast is a massive plus. Not only does Wayne have first-hand in-depth knowledge of fishing methods and seasons, his brothers are still on-hand to share vital information to help advise clients too.
Quite the catch
As well as sourcing their products from Devon, Fish For Kings get the finest produce from all over the UK. Wayne buys the very best Peterhead cod from Scotland. Even farmed items like salmon and large trout are from the UK. They purchase Scottish salmon whenever possible and the trout comes from Hampshire. Wayne says:
“We feel very passionate about buying British fish while supporting British fishermen and farms. Devon crab is one of my favourites. Also Dover sole and wild bass.”
When he isn’t running the business, Wayne is a big Reading football fan and enjoys attending matches with his brothers. He also likes to play golf and go for long walks. But most of all, spending time with family and his grandchilden.