Meet the Grainger Market Traders: Lindsay Bros

Lindsay Bros was established way back in 1936. Can you tell us a bit more about its history?

It all started with Fred Lindsay and his brothers. They grew the business by collecting fresh fish from the boats in North Shields and selling it in the West End of Newcastle. They sold it to a range of wet fish shops, fish and chip shops throughout the North East and even a seafood restaurant opposite Central Station back in the 60s. It’s different times now, post-supermarket but we still have the shop here in the Grainger market which is cracking on. 

What is the secret to your success? Why do you think Lindsay Bros has managed to stay in business for almost 90 years?

Simple, the great loyalty of our customers! From our side it’s been about keeping the quality high - we’ve always focused on high quality even though that doesn’t always come at the cheapest price. I think people have appreciated that and stuck with us for many years.

Where do you source your seafood from?

We support the local boats as much as we can at North Shields and always have done. We do source from all over, Scotland generally for Large Cod and Spain for our Tuna, but we buy from local boats 5 days a week and that’s been the case ever since Lindsay’s started.

What are your most popular products?

Our Wester Ross salmon is always a popular choice. People are getting more adventurous and knowledgeable about what they eat so people like to know where fish has come from. We also sell a lot of that for sashimi.

People like to ask what’s local and fresh on that day, and that usually goes first.

You recently opened up a new stall serving seafood stotties on the go. How’s business been so far?

So far so good! It's a learning curve but we think it’s a good addition to the Grainger Market and offers a new option for people at lunchtime. Hopefully, it encourages more people to eat fish as we know some people can be nervous about cooking it at home.

What do you love about being a part of the Grainger Market community?

Market life can be amusing. There’s always a laugh to be had working in the Grainger Market - you meet people from all walks of life imaginable every day and that’s what is great about it. The traders really stick together too.

Lindsay Bros is located in Units 24-25 and 28-29 on Alley 1 in Grainger Market and is open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5:30pm. For more information visit www.facebook.com/Lindsayfish1936. 

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