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Producer of the Month: Sea Sisters

Very minimal introduction needed here as their interview says it all… we might have a crush on Charlotte and Angus, the duo behind Sea Sisters and the East London Canning Co.

Portrait of Charlotte and Angus from Sea Sisters

SeaSisters is a lockdown creation! How did the idea first strike you? 

Before having children we set off in a transit van (kitted out with a bed) down the west coast of France to the Basque region of Spain and then through the midi Pyrenees to Italy. As young loves on a shoestring budget we lived off a lot of tinned fish. We loved the Pintxos eateries of San Sebastián and the simplicity of seasonal food. We shopped solely in markets and local delis and dreamed of our own restaurant one day. When the pandemic hit and the hospitality industry was under threat, we decided it was time to shift gears. Our dream of having our own range of British tinned fish started its journey. More than a year of trials and recipe testing and we launched before Christmas in 2021- the only people canning fish in England.

Angus holds cans from his East London Canning CoTell us a bit about canning culture at the time you started 

We did a lot of research about canning but essentially we have learned everything we now know ourselves through trial and error. With each new line of tinned fish comes new skills and experience.

The canning industry is quite secret with each cannery having their own methods and trade secrets- just like us. We have been lucky to work with some brilliant food scientists and thermal processing experts to deliver a range of products we are proud of.

Canning fish in Europe is a huge part of its culture and there are many canneries in France, Spain, Italy, Portugal and throughout Scandinavia etc.

We hadn’t considered the lack of fish canneries here in the UK or questioned before where our tinned fish came from. But that piece is now very important to us. We want to know that the tinned fish we are eating comes from ethical and responsible sources. Our brand tells the story of tinned fish. We know where all our fish comes from, we only preserve in season and we use methods that have the least impact on the environment. Our queenies of examples are gathered using sail and oar power.

You work closely with other excellent small producers, tell us about a few? 

We love to support producers who also believe in sustainable and regenerative methods. The Real Cure in Dorset is an excellent charcuterie producer making some of the best charcuterie the UK has to offer. Including their award winning ‘nduja which we use with our mussels.

The Somerset Cider Brandy Company in Burrow Hill are fantastic traditional cider and oak-aged cider vinegar producers. We’ve been drinking the fruits of their labour for years and are looking forward to buying a pint at Glastonbury festival next week.

A huge amount of work goes into making a quality product. We enjoy working with people who have a love and passion for not only making something delicious but doing it the right way, which is often the harder way.

Portrait of Angus from East London Canning Co.

Favourite recipe using canned fish? 

Our cans of pollock and smoked trout are perfect with eggs so we serve them for breakfast a lot.

We have two lines of cuttlefish. These tins are great served warmed up and stirred through steamed rice with a quick aioli and a squeeze of lemon.

Components for a perfect picnic?  

All of our tins are perfect for a picnic. Crusty bread or crackers with crudités and pickles make a delicious picnic accompanied with a glass of wine.

Daughter of Sea Sisters founders peeks out from behind an apron

SeaSisters itinerary for a great day out in East London 

We named our brand after our two young daughters. If you’ve got children like we do east London is great for children. Daubeny Fields is right by our house and has an adventure play, a playground with sandpit and a skate park. It’s right on the canal so you can walk up the water to Hackney Marshes. The Chatsworth Road food markets on Sundays are great for lunch and we head to the Chesham Arms for a pint. You can order Yard Sale Pizza at the pub-which has a beer garden.

Find Sea Sisters inside Panzer’s near our condiment section or order online

WE’RE STARTING AN IN-STORE REFURB

We have some VERY exciting projects coming in 2024 starting with: doubling the size of our kitchens.

This will mean no hot meals or warm lunches, if you visit us in store, for a few weeks beginning on Monday, March 25th. Our terraced seating will remain open for coffees, cakes & bakes. You can still order bagels, sandwiches & salads inside at the deli to eat outside. And we hope to be back up and running for hot meals (and soon MORE) in a few weeks. 

DELIVERY ZONE INFORMATION

Local London Delivery

Due to the nature of our range, some items can only be delivered within the London area. If your order containers any flowers or fresh fruit then you will need to live locally to be able to have it delivered. Sushi is delivered within a 3 mile radius of our store.

Nationwide Delivery

All other goods can be delivered nationwide (excluding Highlands and Islands) via our partner couriers. There is a slightly larger delivery cost for this service outside of London.

Collection In Store

Everything on the store can be ordered for collection from our store. Orders must be picked up on your chosen collection date, and can be picked up from the store between the hours of 9am – 6pm, seven days a week. If your order was placed online, please bring your order confirmation when collecting.

Certain goods can be sent overseas, please call for more information.