Stylish new fish and sushi restaurants to open on Rochester high street
Fish at 55 and Sakana at 55 will be serving up the freshest fish and sushi dishes at a swanky three-storey premises opening this month, writes Marijke Hall
There’s no denying food lovers Alan Brett and Steve Pennington have made their mark on Rochester’s restaurant scene since first teaming up 11 years ago.
At that time, perplexed by the lack of places to dine out late on a Sunday in the city, they joined forces to open Oliver’s Bar and Restaurant.
Then came Rochester Coffee Company - which is now in the hands of Alan’s daughter Abigail - and a few years later Brettingtons Steak and Lobster House was launched.
Now the pair, who have almost 50 years of experience between them, have teamed up once again, this time to open restaurants dedicated to serving fish and sushi.
Located in the old Simply Italian building at 55 High Street, the new venues - called Fish at 55 and Sakana at 55 - are due to open this month and will serve up seasonal dishes, specialising in fresh fish and seafood.
Fish at 55 will be on the ground and first floors, while Sakana at 55 will be found on the lower basement level.
“It’s something completely different for Rochester High Street and completely different to all our other entities,” said Alan. “It has a very cool, very relaxing interior. It’s taken us a year to put together - we’ve spent a lot of time doing this, we don’t rush anything.”
The restaurants will be run by a 50-strong team, with 150 covers and a menu promoting sustainability.
“The concept is simple: providing our customers with the best quality fish, in simple and classic ways.
“Since 2010, our focus has never changed, quality and responsible sourcing is still our main concern - we just look a bit more fancy now.”
Most produce for their restaurants is sourced from Billingsgate fish market and their fishermen in Hythe, which is delivered fresh daily.
Stock includes local line caught trout, organic salmon from the Faroe Islands and sea trout, depending on seasonal availability of course.
The premises will open early, serving breakfasts including kippers and kedgeree, as well as lunch and dinner, and will also be doing takeaways.
Fish at 55 and Sakana at 55 are due to open this month.
Keep an eye on fish55.co.uk and @fishat55 on social media for the opening date and hours, as well as menus.
