Simon’s shop, Poisson Fresh Fish, in Northfields Avenue, is just five minutes away from the Market Place, so when he was told the market was being started up again, he jumped at the opportunity.
Back in 2009, Simon, 45, and his wife, Katie, 43, started up the shop after leaving jobs at ITN and the BBC respectively.
The parents of four had always wanted to set up a fishmongers because of their love of good organic food and cooking.
“It’s nice to be my own boss,” Simon said.
“Journalism was changing into something very different from what I started in, so when I was made redundant I decided to do something I’d always wanted to do.
“It’s a lot more work than journalism, that’s for sure. But, it’s great.
“It sounds cliched but we seem to have fallen into being fishmongers really naturally.
“Doing Brentford Market is great for me; it’s a different atmosphere to the shop. It’s very relaxing and people can take their time there.
“It’s an extra day’s work, but I don’t have any regrets.
“I’ve already got my Sunday morning regulars.
“All my fish comes in on Saturday from Billingsgate Market and Newlyn Harbour, in Cornwall, so it couldn’t be more fresh. We get some really top quality products.”
Originally from Leicestershire, Simon explained why the couple decided to call their venture Poisson.
He said: “My wife is a Francophile – she used to live and teach in France and we go there a couple of times a year for holidays.
“Some people get it confused with poison, but then that just gives us more exposure.”
The fish ranges from pots of cockles sold at £1 to whole salmons for £40.
Not only are market visitors making their way to Simon’s shop up the road but his long-time customers from Ealing are now going to the Sunday market after hearing about it from him.
The journalist turned fishmonger, added: “Brentford market is great, and I hope that it goes from strength to strength.”
