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Young entrepreneurs from Whitstable take over popular Faversham fishmongers at Standard Quay

14:00, 01 December 2024

Two young entrepreneurs who have taken over a well-known fishmonger shop plan to breathe new life into the business with an entirely Kentish twist.

They say their unique selling point is that their fish will be exclusively sourced from up to 100 ‘day’ boats operating around the county’s coast.

Fishmonger George Theze at work. He, alongside Callum Bedwell, have taken on Herman’s Plaice in Faversham, naming it Fin & Scales
Fishmonger George Theze at work. He, alongside Callum Bedwell, have taken on Herman’s Plaice in Faversham, naming it Fin & Scales

George Theze and Callum Bedwell have launched Fin & Scales in Faversham, previously known as Herman’s Plaice.

Herman Broekhuizen set up shop almost 20 years ago and built up a reputation that spread far and wide.

But sadly he died from cancer aged 73 in September leaving the business rudderless.

Now George and Callum, both 22, have taken it on and re-branded the shop, which is on Faversham’s Standard Quay.

They may be fresh out of college but are certainly not wet behind the ears when it comes to fishing.

Callum Bedwell is an experienced fisherman
Callum Bedwell is an experienced fisherman

“With Hermans Plaice being so respected within the industry, we know we have big boots to fill,” says George.

“But we’re both from a fishing background so decided to swap our traditional career paths for the early mornings and salty air.

“What started as a passion project has quickly turned into a growing business and we’re only just getting started.”

George has already gained knowledge of the fish industry as a young teenager, helping out at a seafood company partly owned by his dad.

"I know a lot about fish - the different types, how to cut it, what prices it's sold at,” he says.

George Theze, aged 16, when he used to deliver fish on his bike. He has now moved onto new heights with a shop in Faversham
George Theze, aged 16, when he used to deliver fish on his bike. He has now moved onto new heights with a shop in Faversham

At the age of just 16, he had already launched his own fish delivery service based in Whitstable, often visiting customers on his bike.

But now he has teamed up with fisherman Callum to launch their new venture.

The friends are both from Whitstable, went to primary school together and then met up again at Canterbury College.

“I was studying business and Callum [was doing] plumbing but we both discovered we had this shared interest in fish and fishing,” said George.

“Callum already had a lot of experience on local fishing boats around the Kent coast and even dabbled with the idea of getting his own boat.

Callum Bedwell (left) and George Theze at Fin & Scales in Faversham
Callum Bedwell (left) and George Theze at Fin & Scales in Faversham

“But when Herman’s Plaice came up for sale, we put our heads together and saw an opportunity.

“Our skills and knowledge complement each other and we are switching the focus of the business to supply locally-caught day boat fish from around the Kent coast, rather than sourcing it from Billingsgate Market where it is largely big commercial trawler catch.

“Because of Callum’s experience, we have good contacts with about 100 fishing boats which can supply us with what we and our customers want, which we hope will be our USP.”

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