Lobsters are catch of the day in supplier's own tank
A FISH wholesaler in Huddersfield is supplying lobsters live and kicking to local restaurants.
Sail Brand, based at Red Doles Lane, off Leeds Road, Bradley Mills, has bought a lobster tank.
It means the firm can keep lobsters in their preferred environment until needed. And they are being snapped up by high-class restaurants across West Yorkshire.
General manager Les Stott said: "We have seen a three-fold increase in sales of lobsters since the tank was installed.
"Shellfish has to be as fresh as possible when it reaches the restaurant.
"If it is still alive and kicking, there can be no queries about its freshness."
Mr Stott said the company bought the tank from Italian firm Adriatic Aquaria after seeing it at a fish food show in Brussels.
The tank - resembling a rectangular jacuzzi - keeps the lobsters in conditions akin to their natural environment off the coast of New England and Canada.
The tank maintains the water at a temperature of 3- 4°C (37-39°F). It is continually filtered and contains essential salts and minerals.
Mr Stott added: "We were already selling lobster to the restaurant trade, but in a very limited way.
"West Yorkshire is getting a reputation for fine dining and we knew the demand for lobster was there.
"The response to our lobster tank has exceeded expectations."
Mr Stott said Sail Brand was also selling more fish that would once have been considered `exotic', such as sea bass, sea bream and marlin.
