A Carlisle fishmongers have thanked their loyal customers after winning a prestigious national award.

Bells fishmongers have won ‘fishmongers of the year’ at the farm shop and deli retailers of the year awards for 2024.

Bells were representing the North of England at the awards and were up against 'Off the Hook' fishmongers who are based in Cornwall.

The Carlisle fishmongers has been trading in the city since the 1970s and is viewed as a Carlisle institution with hundreds of loyal customers from across Cumbria.

News and Star: The special plaque received by the Bells teamThe special plaque received by the Bells team (Image: Supplied)Being so close to the Scottish border enables Bells to source from Scotland, England and the Shetland Islands to bring customers the best Shetland Mussels and fish in the UK.

“We are speechless and over the moon, to be crowned farm shop & deli show fishmonger of the year 2024,” said a Bells spokesperson.

“As with stereotypical British public transport, we almost didn't  get there, cancelled trains from Preston meant a great deal of train hopping to get there just over an hour or so before the awards were due to begin - A long day but well worth it.”

The team at Bells said that there were three main groups of people to thank for their success: their customers, their team and the fishermen themselves.

News and Star: Some of the top quality produce at BellsSome of the top quality produce at Bells (Image: Supplied)“Without you absolute legends (customers) we would cease to exist,” said the Bells spokesperson.

“We don’t see you as a business transaction, we see you as a community.

“From the folks who come in once a week for a skinless salmon portion and a bit craic, to the guys who do 3-4 hour round trips once a month to stock up on enough fish to feed a small army.

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We appreciate every single time you choose to shop with us, and we do everything possible to repay you.

“Our people have dedication, passion and unwavering work ethics by the bucket load.

From the drivers dropping off deliveries and picking up fish, the amazing kitchen team keeping the shelves and all of our outlets full to the brim and the ladies in the office, we are a well-oiled machine, where every single person does everything required and more.”

Bells fishmongers in Carlisle have been nominated as a finalist in the ‘Fishmongers of the Year’ award by the National Federation of Fishmongers.