British Food Fortnight: Fish, Seafood & Provenance at Johns

One of the highlights of our fish selection is our relationship with Blakewell Fisheries, a local fishery and smoker who supply us with delicious smoked salmon and trout. Blakewell is a name that means something to us because it brings together the things we value at Johns: quality food, local connections and a real appreciation for the ingredients we serve. Their smoked salmon and trout are firm favourites in our deli, and we love finding different ways to enjoy them throughout the year.

From our deli to your breakfast table

Our smoked salmon is a natural fit for breakfast. Whether you’re enjoying it at home or sitting down for breakfast at Johns, it’s an ingredient that brings a little something special to the plate.

Think:

• Smoked salmon with scrambled eggs and toast.

• Smoked salmon on a breakfast bagel.

• Smoked trout served alongside fresh bread and a little butter.

• A delicious breakfast or brunch featuring quality smoked fish.

It’s also an ingredient we love using in our homemade quiches. Our kitchen team works with the products we stock in the deli, bringing them into our food offering so you can enjoy them in a different way. The result? A lovely connection between our deli shelves and our café counters — the same appreciation for good ingredients, served in different ways.

We’re also proud to stock delicious crab from Devon & Cornwall Fish, bringing the taste of our South West coastline to Johns. Crab is one of those ingredients that needs very little to make it shine. Fresh, delicate and full of flavour, it’s a wonderful example of how quality ingredients can do the talking. And we love putting it to good use.

Crab baguettes at Johns

Our crab baguettes are a delicious way to enjoy this fantastic seafood. Packed into fresh bread, they make a lovely lunch when you’re looking for something a little lighter but still full of flavour. Whether you’re grabbing lunch to take to the beach, enjoying a bite at the deli or picking something up for home, our crab baguettes are a reminder of just how lucky we are to have such wonderful seafood on our doorstep.

A crab platter for sharing

For something a little more special, our crab also makes a beautiful addition to a seafood platter. Perfect for sharing, a crab platter brings together the simple pleasures of good bread, delicious accompaniments and quality seafood. It’s the kind of food that feels right at home in North Devon — relaxed, generous and made for enjoying with friends and family. From a quick baguette to a leisurely sharing platter, crab is a lovely way to celebrate the produce of our coastline.

Of course, British fish and seafood isn’t just about fresh and smoked fish. We also have a fantastic selection of tinned seafood at Johns, with products from Sea Sisters, Hevva and Rockfish. These are the tins that make you look twice. Beautifully presented, full of character and packed with delicious possibilities, they’re a brilliant way to enjoy seafood at home.

Across the year, our range includes varieties such as:

• Sardines

• Mackerel

• Mussels

• Monkfish

• And plenty more to discover

Why we love tinned fish

Tinned fish is incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, a simple supper or creating a sharing board with friends. Try sardines on toast with a squeeze of lemon, mackerel with a fresh salad, or mussels as part of a relaxed seafood spread. The possibilities are endless. It’s also a great way to keep something delicious in the cupboard for those days when you want a quick meal without compromising on flavour. And with such a variety of products available, there’s always something new to try.

Quality & Provenance: Knowing Where Our Food Comes From

At Johns, we’ve always believed that knowing where our food comes from matters. We work with a fantastic network of local and specialist suppliers, and our fish and seafood selection is no different. From Blakewell Fisheries’ smoked salmon and trout to Devon & Cornwall crab and our selection of tinned seafood, we want to offer products that we’re proud to put on our shelves and serve in our cafés.

Supporting local connections

Working with local suppliers helps us build meaningful relationships with the people behind our food. It means we can learn more about the products we stock, understand their stories and share that knowledge with our customers. For us, it’s not simply about filling a shelf. It’s about creating a deli that reflects the wonderful food and drink available across our region and beyond. And when you visit Johns, we hope you can taste the difference that care and quality make.

Sustainability: Making Thoughtful Choices

Sustainability is an important part of the conversation around fish and seafood. Our oceans are precious, and the choices we make about the seafood we buy and eat matter. We believe that understanding provenance is a valuable starting point. Knowing more about where fish comes from, who supplies it and how it reaches us helps us make more informed decisions about the products we stock.

Choosing seafood with care

We work with suppliers who help us bring a variety of fish and seafood to our customers, and we’re mindful of the importance of responsible sourcing. For our tinned fish range, products such as sardines and mackerel offer different ways to enjoy seafood throughout the year. With tinned fish, there’s also the benefit of a longer shelf life, making it a practical store cupboard choice and helping reduce the pressure to use products immediately.

Of course, sustainability is complex. Different species, fisheries, fishing methods and supply chains all have different considerations. We don’t believe there’s one simple answer for every product. What matters is continuing to learn, asking questions and making thoughtful choices about the food we offer.

Good food, good suppliers and a genuine appreciation for where it comes from — that’s what matters to us.