Member Article

Keeley Is No Small Fry

KACEY’S PLAICE opened its doors in Castlegate Shopping Centre’s Spencer Market today to great fanfare and free samples as a wet fish shop makes a welcome return to Stockton town centre.

Named after her daughter, Stockton-born owner Keeley Smith thought this moment would never come when in 2013 she fell seriously ill after two cardiac arrests and a triple organ failure where she ended up fighting for her life in a coma at North Tees Hospital.

However, after dad Rob was told that if Keeley didn’t recover within 24 hours her life support machine would be turned off, he went into her room and whispered “wake up darling” and less than 24-hours later, Keeley was awake and joking around with her dad at his tender words.

And family plays a big part in both Keeley’s life and the new wet fish shop as dad Rob, mum Julie, cousin Sheryl and even Keeley’s nana are all on board to make Keeley’s Plaice the best fish shop in the area.

Keeley’s Plaice will sell a wide range of fish including salmon, haddock, shellfish and plenty more fresh, and most importantly, locally sourced fish.

Keeley said: “All my fish very fresh and locally sourced from Redcar, Hartlepool and North Shields. After the former fishmongers in Castlegate closed due to the owner’s ill health, I felt there was a great opportunity to reopen a wet fish shop and be able to offer a wide range of fish products at very competitive prices.

“The nature of our business means that customers will enjoy a changing choice, according to what’s available at the dock that morning!”

“Once the shop is up and running I will also be creating ready-made dishes for customers to buy. As a trained chef I know what people want and will be delighted to offer everything from fresh paella to warming fish pies and the best battered cod cakes around” added Keeley.

Keeley will also be holding tasting sessions at the Castlegate store alongside offering at-home catering for parties and in the New Year hopes to make home deliveries to elderly customers in the area who can’t leave the house.

“I’m born and bred in Stockton and so proud of the area and the town centre can only get better and better so it’s fantastic that I’ve had this opportunity to open my own business in Castlegate and be part of the amazing local independent scene.”

Tracey Surtees, Acting Centre Manager, at Castlegate Shopping Centre said: “We are delighted to have Keeley with us in Spencer Market, she has an amazing story and has fantastic plans for Kacey’s Plaice and we will be with her every step of the way.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Chantal Taylor .