Season: spring
Many boats were still at sea, when I arrived at Newlyn for this spring re-visit, hence the fairly empty harbour. The daily market had just finished. I met wholesaler Craig in the Newlyn Seaman’s Mission. At the quayside, he explained his connection to Newlyn over many generations, as well as his pride in the excellent quality of fish now landed at the port, due to excellent icing practice, processing and a quick turnaround from the boats to the consumer. In the modern, innovative rhythm of Newlyn, consumers can now deal directly with their suppliers, to have fish delivered directly and quickly to them, in excellent condition. Craig’s contribution to this enhanced customer service by Cornish merchants can be seen at Fresh Cornish Fish.
Craig’s pride in his Newlyn heritage, plus his view of a future in the fish business.
Newlyn harbour and Mounts Bay, in the morning.
Season: autumn
I arrived in the fishing village of Newlyn, capital of Cornwall’s fishing industry, just before dawn, so several boats were coming in to unload and the market was in full swing. This is the time to visit Newlyn, when it’s in action as a working harbour. I was able to get a panoramic view from the top of the ice house too. Newlyn village has toilets, shops and a great art gallery. It has a great art tradition, some of which can be seen in the local galleries. Located on the western end of Mounts Bay, it’s also a wonderful place to visit for the views and the nearby beach.
I had a chat with Richard, who organises the transport at Newlyn fish market.
A brief chat about fishing and the ice plant at Newlyn fish market.
My final view of Newlyn, from above the harbour on the Mousehole side.
A view from the top of the Ice House at Newlyn market, as dawn has just broken.
On the harbour wall at Newlyn, just before dawn.