M & M Richardson

M & M Richardson is a long‑established, family‑run fishmonger and seafood supplier with deep roots in Lydd‑on‑Sea and Dungeness, serving both local residents and visiting anglers who want genuinely fresh fish and practical fishing supplies in one place.

The business has been selling fish in the area for well over a century, and that experience shows in the way they source, prepare and present their catch, with many customers commenting that the flavour and freshness of the fish they buy here stands out from what they find in supermarkets.

For anyone planning a dedicated angling trip on the shingle or simply a home‑cooked seafood meal, this combination of heritage and hands‑on knowledge is a practical advantage rather than a marketing slogan.

Fresh fish and shellfish for everyday cooking

Shoppers who come to M & M Richardson usually do so for the quality and range of fish on offer, and several visitors describe it as some of the best fish they have eaten, commenting specifically on how fresh it tasted when cooked at home.

The counter typically includes staple options such as cod, herring and smoked haddock, as well as seasonal fish and shellfish that reflect what the local boats have been landing, giving regulars a changing choice alongside familiar favourites.

Customers mention buying sea bass, scallops, trout, crab and crayfish for lunch or dinner, often noting that the catch had been landed within a day or two and that prices felt fair for the quality provided.

Alongside the fresh fish, there is also an emphasis on smoked products, with their own smoked haddock singled out in feedback as particularly memorable, suggesting careful handling and attention to traditional methods.

The shop also stocks local produce such as eggs and smoked cheese, which can round out a meal and make the visit more convenient for those staying in nearby accommodation or campsites who want to assemble a full spread without multiple stops.

Services for anglers and fishing visitors

What makes M & M Richardson especially relevant to anglers is its role as more than just a fish shop; it also serves as a practical hub for those planning time on the shore or in a boat, with a clear focus on providing both bait and essential tackle.

The shop is known locally for supplying fresh bait and in particular the famous Dungeness black lugworm, which is widely regarded by sea anglers as one of the most effective baits when targeting many coastal species.

They can offer this lugworm bait fresh or frozen and even arrange same‑day provision for anglers, which is useful when a weather window suddenly opens or a trip is planned at short notice.

Alongside lugworm they also stock squid, sand eels, frozen mackerel, cuttlefish and sprats, giving anglers a choice of sea fishing bait suitable for different target species and methods.

For those who arrive and realise they have forgotten something, the shop sells a selection of basic tackle including hand‑tied rigs aimed at cod, bass and flatfish, as well as mackerel feathers, weights, hooks and swivels, and complete rod‑and‑reel combinations ready to use.

This makes it a handy stop for anyone who needs a last‑minute fishing rod, a set of sea fishing rigs or simple terminal tackle without visiting a larger town.

Dungeness Angling Club members can also pick up the key to the local barrier from the premises, and those who call ahead to order fresh bait are given priority, reinforcing the shop’s connection with the local angling community.

Convenience, collections and orders

From a practical standpoint, M & M Richardson tries to make buying fish and bait straightforward, whether the customer is a local resident planning a family meal or a visitor staying at a nearby campsite.

They accept orders for parties, functions and events, supplying seafood in suitable quantities for larger gatherings, which can be an attractive option when organising a celebration that centres around fresh fish dishes.

In addition, they offer an out‑of‑hours collection service: customers can place an order and collect it later in the day, with a staff member available beyond standard closing time so that work or travel schedules do not prevent access to fresh fish.

This approach is particularly useful for anglers who wish to pick up fresh sea bait or a pre‑ordered seafood selection on their way to or from the beach, without having to adjust their time on the shore to match shop hours too strictly.

For those interested in what is being caught locally at any given time, the business maintains catch reports, allowing regulars and visiting anglers to see which species are currently showing and to choose bait and tactics accordingly.

What customers praise

The tone of many reviews is strongly positive, with repeated mentions of friendly staff and a warm welcome that goes beyond a straightforward retail transaction.

Visitors describe the team as approachable and helpful, which is reassuring for those who may not be confident choosing from a fish counter or who are new to sea angling and unsure which sea fishing bait or rig to pick.

Several customers highlight the freshness of the fish as a standout feature, with some saying it was among the best fish they had cooked at home, and others commenting on specific purchases like sea bass, scallops, trout, crab and crayfish that made satisfying meals.

The own‑smoked haddock attracts particular praise for its flavour, suggesting a level of craftsmanship that appeals to those who like smoked fish for breakfasts, chowders or more traditional British dishes.

Anglers appreciate the availability of live black lugworm, noting that this type of bait can be difficult to obtain elsewhere and that having it ready near the beach improves their chances of a successful session.

Being able to buy hand‑tied rigs tailored to common local species, as well as sea fishing tackle such as weights and hooks, also saves time and reduces the risk of a ruined trip due to forgotten gear.

Areas where experiences differ

While the general impression is positive, there are occasional critical comments that potential customers may wish to bear in mind when forming realistic expectations.

A small number of reviewers report concerns about the condition of specific items, such as plaice that did not seem at its best when cooked, especially when the fish was not eaten immediately after purchase.

These comments suggest that, as with any fresh product, choosing fish with the cooking time in mind and storing it correctly is important; customers who plan to delay cooking might prefer to ask staff for advice on which fish will hold quality better over a day or two.

Because the counter reflects daily and seasonal landings, the exact range can vary, meaning that particular species mentioned in reviews may not always be available on any given day, especially in poor weather or outside peak seasons.

For anglers, the availability of live lugworm bait and other fresh options can also depend on digging conditions and demand, so placing an order in advance is sensible if a specific bait is crucial to a planned trip.

Who is M & M Richardson suitable for?

For home cooks who value flavour and provenance, M & M Richardson offers a way to buy fish that has a clear local connection, with a selection that typically includes both everyday fillets and more characterful options like smoked haddock or shellfish.

Those staying in nearby holiday accommodation or at local campsites often find it convenient to pick up fresh fish, local eggs and complementary items for a simple yet high‑quality meal without travelling far.

Sea anglers planning a session in the Dungeness area benefit from the combination of fresh bait, black lugworm, frozen alternatives and basic fishing tackle, which can cover most needs for a shore session or casual boat trip without a dedicated tackle‑shop visit.

At the same time, the set‑up is quite traditional and stock is driven by what local boats bring in, so it may appeal most to those who appreciate a working fishmonger environment rather than a polished deli‑style display.

Overall, feedback indicates that many repeat customers return for the balance of personal service, fresh local fish and the convenience of picking up both seafood and sea fishing gear in one stop, while occasional criticisms underline the importance of checking individual items and communicating clearly with staff about how and when the fish will be used.