FAQ

What is the minimum order?

Our minimum order value is £35 (delivery available Tuesday through to Saturday)
We have a standard delivery charge of £3.95 for all orders under £50. This is due to the significant costs associated with our recyclable packaging and the delivery of our boxes. Please note If you are purchasing Gift Vouchers as part of your order, the order must include £35 worth of seafood to make your order viable for shipping/delivery Standard delivery charges may apply during peak season - eg Christmas and New Year - see our Christmas FAQs for more information

How much is the delivery charge?

Shipping charges will be displayed at the checkout stage. We offer FREE UK delivery on all orders over £50. Our minimum order value is £35 with an additional £3.95 delivery charge. We deliver Tuesday through to Saturday using DPD for all our deliveries who provide a 'Next Day' service for us.
Over the festive period (from w/c 18th December), there will be a standard delivery charge for all orders - please see our Christmas FAQs for more information During busy periods, please be patient with DPD delivery drivers

Which courier do you use to deliver?

We work with DPD UK who provide us and our customers with a fantastic service.

When we are preparing to despatch your order, you will be emailed a parcel number and a 'Show me my Options' link which allows you to track your order online, so that you can follow the progress of your delivery. Please DO NOT RESCHEDULE YOUR DELIVERY TO ANOTHER DAY. You will receive notification of an hours delivery slot giving you the confidence that your parcel will soon be with you! Should you have any concerns or problems with your order please call us on 01208 262202 and we will help you in any way we can (please have your order number to hand)

Please note: Fish for Thought cannot be held responsible for our courier’s failure to deliver to the specified time due to adverse weather conditions or other circumstances beyond our control. In these instances, we will, however, make our best efforts to correct the problem.

DPD provide a 'Next Day' delivery service for us.

How far do you deliver?

We deliver in England, Wales, Scotland to just north of Edinburgh and limited areas on the Isle of Wight (post codes PO31 – PO41). We are unable at present to deliver to the Highlands of Scotland and Ireland as we can't guarantee delivery within the 24-hour deadline.

Please note, deliveries to Scotland may take up to 2 days so please plan your delivery accordingly and also note that DPD (Scotland) do not work on the weekend so you must select delivery Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday ONLY

PLEASE NOTE: We Are Unable To Deliver To NORTHERN IRELAND

We do not deliver to overseas destinations as refrigerated transport is required. We do, however, take orders from all over the world for deliveries in the UK for friends and relatives. Call us on 01208 262202 and we will be happy to help. You can place your order in advance, please allow us 48 hours notice to give us time to source, prepare, despatch and deliver your order.

What time will my delivery arrive

DPD provide us with a 'Next Day' delivery service. Don't forget to check your email notification from DPD to check your allocated delivery slot. Please be patient with delivery drivers during busy periods

Please don’t worry if it’s a little later, this won’t affect the quality of the contents! As always, you can call us on 01208 262202 for an update or drop us an email at: [email protected]

If your order is for a special occasion, we recommend taking your order the day before to ensure you have plenty time to receive it and prepare as planned

How will I know my delivery is on its way?

On the day of despatch (ie the day before your delivery is due), you will receive email notification from DPD to let you know that your parcel is en route. As always, any concerns, you can call us on 01208 262202 or drop us an email at [email protected]. On the morning of your delivery, DPD will send you notification of an approximate delivery time - this should reach your Inbox/mobile by 11am

What if I'm not in when you deliver?

We can leave your parcel in a safe place. When you place your order with us, please add a DELIVERY INSTRUCTION for the driver – ie. somewhere safe to leave it if you are not at home (ideally a nice dry place, out of the sunshine or rain!) You will find this section at the checkout stage of your order.

Do you offer weekly deliveries?

Yes! When ordering seafood from our main site you can place an order up to 4 weeks in advance or place 6 separate orders for delivery on 6 separate weeks!

How will my product be packaged?

We vacuum pack all our fresh fish making it super convenient for immediate use or transferring to the freezer.

Why don’t you use polystyrene boxes and ice anymore?

At FFT we were very conscious that the packaging products traditionally required to keep seafood products cold in transit – polystyrene boxes and chipped ice - were heavy, wet, bulky and not readily recyclable.

The feedback from our fabulous customers was often that they absolutely loved our fish but weren’t so keen on the packaging. We were determined to change this. In 2017 we began a mission to rip up accepted industry practices and come up with a packaging solution that was attractive, light, dry and easily recyclable - without compromising performance. Drawing on expert knowledge from fields as varied as refrigeration engineering, construction and design technology, we eventually came up with a bespoke system that enables us to dispatch both fresh and frozen products, in the same box. We love it and are proud to lead the way in our industry - to our knowledge no other seafood business on the planet ships product in a recyclable way!

How do you keep the fish chilled in transit?

Our Chill packs work a treat! After a period of exhaustive testing - for which we need to thank many of our VIP customers for their feedback and forbearance as guinea pigs - we made the switch and are confident that your seafood will arrive with you in pristine condition. The food safe chill-packs we use in your seafood box keep your fresh items perfectly fresh.

Here’s just a few of our Customer’s comments:

Many thanks for your excellent service. The fish I ordered was beautiful – fresh and well prepared -  and I was particularly impressed with the thoughtful packaging. The bag insulation is now warming the bottom of my hens’ nesting box. Jane Johnson

I have to say that I am very happy to hear that you have changed your packaging. I have shopped with you a couple of times, but I felt uncomfortable with the packaging that was left at the end. I will definitely be shopping with you again in the future now that I know you offer a completely sustainable experience. Grace Coiley

Is the packaging recyclable?

Absolutely!

  1. Our ingeniously designed cardboard delivery box, is produced using recycled material and is recyclable either by kerbside collection, or at local authority waste depots.

  2. The natural wool fleece insulation which kept your delivery cool is totally compostable and biodegradable, releasing valuable nitrates back into the soil.

  3. Increasingly, many local authorities are collecting plastic tubs, eg. any crab and sauce pots contained in your order, from the kerbside, as well as recycling them at their waste depots.

  4. The MDPE plastic film used to enclose the fleece, and the LDPE plastic envelopes used for vacuum packing and sauce pouches, are generally recyclable at local authority waste depots. Alternatively, in recent years the major supermarkets have made a concerted effort to try and aid the recycling process in areas where kerbside collections fall short of providing a film collection, offering around 4,500 FOSR points (Front of Store Recycling) at their entrances. Whilst their seafood offering can be a little underwhelming, top marks certainly go to them for eco-effort! A visit to www.recyclenow.co.uk will tell you where your nearest FOSR points are.

  5. The gel in the chill-packs is food-safe and non-toxic and can be emptied down the sink by snipping off the corners of the packs. The outer can be discarded or recycled at local authority waste depots.

Where do you get your fish from?

Predominantly Cornish Fish Markets. We specialise in sourcing sustainable fish and shellfish directly, and can tell you exactly where it comes from, right down to the market, and even the boat! Our local South West markets include Plymouth, Brixham and Newlyn.

We also work directly with Crab and Lobster fishermen who land directly to us and use a small number of specialist Suppliers for our Mussels and Oysters. When we have wild weather here in Cornwall and our boats can’t get out, we occasionally source fish from the Shetland Islands – just so you don’t have to miss out! Check out the provenance link for each item on the shop for more info. We also offer a great range of specialist products that add value to our offerings from Suppliers who are as passionate about great produce as we are! Got a question? Give us a call on 01208 262202.

How do I know where it is from?

We share this information with you. You can find information for each item we sell on our main pages. We also label all our fish and shellfish to clearly show it’s origin. Our bought-in products also provide this information for you.

How do I know it is sustainable?

Sustainability is what we’re all about! At Fish for Thought we make it our mission to lead the way in sustainable sourcing.

The majority of our Cornish fish is recommended by the Cornwall Good Seafood Guide. When sourcing our Salmon, we have cast our net wide and Shetland Salmon is some of the finest in the world. Naturally farmed in the clean fast-flowing ocean waters between the Shetland Islands, Freedom Foods Certified, superior source of Omega 3 oils and rich in vitamins and minerals. In 2017 we were delighted to be highly commended at the Cornwall Sustainability Awards, an absolute highlight of our year! Now we have our fully recyclable packaging in place, our mission is to continue to only offer products which are deemed fully sustainable. This may mean that some of our Customer favorites are no longer stocked but we feel that this is not only a good decision but the best decision!

Cornwall Good Seafood Guide Logo

What is The Cornwall Good Seafood Guide?

The best guide to what we should be buying and eating!

The main aim of the Cornwall Good Seafood Guide is to provide clear and accurate information to help us all make environmentally informed decisions when purchasing locally caught seafood. We work closely with the Team to ensure we are buying and supplying the vert best that Cornwall has to offer. Cornwall’s fishing industry has never been so sustainable, and Cornish seafood is renowned for its quality and taste. This guide brings you all the information you need to choose high quality Cornish seafood, harvested with minimal impact on the marine environment. It has been developed using best available evidence and through partnership working with the fishing industry, processors and scientists to give comprehensive and clear advice on how and where to buy Good Cornish Seafood!

What is RSPCA Assured Salmon?

Responsibly farmed, great quality fish. When sourcing our salmon we have cast our net wide! We work closely with Loch Duart who were the first salmon farming company in the world to become RSPCA assured. Raised from wild Scottish ancestors, their salmon grow naturally, for up to three months longer than average, in crystal clear waters in North West Scotland. With a natural diet and space to swim, each fish grows fitter and leaner every day. RSPCA assured, superior source of Omega 3 oiks and rich in vitamins and minerals.

Is my fish suitable for home freezing?

The simple answer is Yes! Our vacuum-packed fish makes it really easy to manage your order.

Fresh Fish – simply transfer your fresh fish straight into the fridge until you are ready to use. Note: Whilst you cannot beat the great taste and texture of really fresh fish, we would recommend freezing if you are not planning on eating it within a few days.

Similarly, none of our cooked Lobsters have been previously frozen and can be stored in the freezer to enjoy at a later date. Remember, Lobster must be cooked prior to freezing. Always wrap Lobsters well in clingfilm, or similar, before freezing to prevent them drying out

Frozen Fish – If you have frozen fish in your order, simply transfer straight into the freezer until you are ready to defrost and use.

What do you mean by fresh fish?

3-5 days fresher than the Supermarket. When we say fresh, we really mean it! It has never been frozen, defrosted and sold as fresh. And it has not been hanging around in the back of a lorry or warehouse just waiting to be put on a shelf or fish display! Our fish comes to you as ‘straight off the boat’ as it is possible for it to be. Where we buy from the local market, we buy on quality and not purely on price. Our collective years of experience lead us to be very selective over what is good enough for our customers. Only the best.

Why is your fish and shellfish better than I can get at the supermarket?

It’s 3-5 days fresher We are confident that our seafood is between 3 and 5 days fresher than you can get from the supermarket. In fact, you can't get fresher fish unless you catch it yourself!

Fish for Thought is all about fresh fish and shellfish for happy, healthy living. We believe that every day should be packed with flavour, food that makes you feel good, does you good, and is lots of fun. We want to do our bit to make people healthier and happier.

How do I know how much to buy of each product and species?

We are here to help. Each product online will give you a guideline for purchasing what you need. If you need help or advice, please don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and call us on 01208 262202.

How can I ask questions about your products and service?

We are here to help. We have tried to cover all bases on our individual items listed but if you need help or advice, please don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and call us on 01208 262202.

How do I use my Gift Voucher?

If your Gift Voucher was issued prior to 25th April 2018, then please call the office and we will try to help you process your code. We cannot however guarantee the validity of the voucher.

If you have received an E-Gift Voucher, simply enter your unique Voucher Code into the 'Discount' box at the checkout to redeem the value of your voucher. If you choose not to spend the full amount of the Voucher, you will automatically receive the balance via an email once you complete checkout.

DiscountCode

How do I apply my Discount Code?

Please apply your discount code during the checkout process. You will find the Discount Code Box on the same page where you enter your personal details.

Simply enter your discount code into the Discount Code box and click 'apply'

How much weight do Live Lobsters lose when cooked?

The Lobster weight listed on our shop are 'live' weight. All Lobsters lose a small amount of weight once cooked. The general guideline would be: 10-15% loss for a Cooked Lobster 15-20% loss for a Cooked, Split and Cleaned Lobster

What to expect when you purchase a Lobster

Delicious White Meat - this can be found in the tail and claws of the Lobster Tomalley - this is the soft green, red or black substance which is found in the body cavity of Lobsters that fulfills the function of both the liver and pancreas. It is perfectly safe to eat and is often considered a delicacy. It may be eaten alone or used in sauces for flavour and as a natural thickening agent.

Please note: we do not crack the claws on our cooked Lobsters (this is to ensure the juices within the claw keep the meat soft and moist)

Please also note: The Lobster weight listed is 'live' weight. All Lobsters lose a small amount of weight once cooked. The general guideline would be: 10-15% loss for a Cooked Lobster 15-20% loss for a Cooked, Split and Cleaned Lobster

How soon can you deliver?

Normally this is within 48 hours (taking into account that we deliver Tuesday to Saturday). This allows us time to source, prepare, dispatch and deliver your order to you.

For example, if you place an order Monday, we can normally deliver Wednesday. Place an order on Friday, we can deliver on Tuesday.

However, please note that during busy periods this may be a longer leadtime.

What to expect when you order a cooked Lobster

White Meat can be found in the tail and claws of the Lobster. In some female lobsters you may find Tomalley - this is the soft, dark green or red substance which is found in the body cavity of Lobsters, that fulfils the function of both the liver and pancreas. It is perfectly safe to eat and is often considered a delicacy. It may be eaten alone or used in sauces for flavour and as a natural thickening agent.

What to expect when you buy Live Mussels

Our mussels arrive with you live in either a net or a vacuum sealed bag. Net Delivery - to store them, leave them in the net that they arrive in, twisting the net so that any slack is taken up and then place them in a bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or tea-towel and place it in the refrigerator until you are ready to prepare them. Vacuum sealed bag - Simply pop the bag into the refrigerator until needed. We would recommend using the mussels within 24-36hrs of receipt. NOT suitable for home freezing unless you cook them first

What to expect when you purchase Oysters

To store your oysters once they arrive, remove them from all packaging and place them on a tray, or plate. Make sure you place them cupped-side down, with the ‘flat’ side uppermost. Cover them with a damp cloth or tea-towel and place them in the refrigerator until you are ready to eat them. We would recommend eating the oysters within 24-36hrs of receipt. NOT suitable for home freezing unless you cook them first

What to expect when you purchase Crab Meat

We only sell fresh hand-picked Cornish crab meat and whilst the pickers are experts, they are not infallible. Please be aware that occasionally a small piece of shell may get left in the pot with the meat.

How do you transport frozen items?

We pack the frozen elements of your order with blue gel packs that are previously frozen down to -42oC. These specially formulated packs have a much lower point of transition than a standard ice pack. In fact, they become liquid at -18oC requiring significantly more internal energy to transition to a liquid state and thus staying colder for longer. Whilst your produce should arrive frozen, it is unlikely that the blue gel packs will still be solid.

Will my frozen items defrost during transit?

Partial defrost - it can happen! While we make every effort to make sure your order reaches you in perfect condition, occasionally some products may start to thaw a little. Fish and shellfish that are quite high in oil content tend to be more susceptible to this – eg. prawns, sardines or salmon. Because of the way that we pack your fish, this thawing process will have been gradual and, in much the same way that you might pop some slightly softer frozen broccoli, for example, straight into the freezer on returning from the supermarket on a hot day, it should be fine to do this.

Can I amend or add to my existing order?

Please call one of the Team on 01208 262202 and we will assist you with this.

We ideally require a minimum of 48 hours notice to amend your order for you. If you would like to add more products to your order, please call us with your order number and your payment card details.

Please also ensure that all details within your order, especially the delivery address are correct. We cannot be held responsible for any errors made when ordering online.

Will Fresh Fish Always Be Available?

Rest assured that we will make every effort to source fresh product for your order, however, if we are unable to do so for any reason, we will replace it with a frozen alternative.

The availability of all seafood at market can be impacted by many different factors – Seasonality, bad weather, tidal variations, which boats are landing, or even good old-fashioned fisherman’s luck… and in the current circumstances, unprecedented demand has further added to uncertainty.When fish happen to be plentiful at market, we try to buy a little extra which we expertly prepare and blast freeze, here on site, for just such an eventuality. The replacement should arrive with you frozen. Do not re-freeze seafood that has defrosted.

Unlike many of our competitors, we will NEVER send you frozen, or previously-frozen, lobsters. ALL our lobsters are cooked fresh to order on the premises. This allows for them to be frozen on receipt, should you wish to consume them at a later date