Top 10 Best Fishery Companies in Runnymede

Fisheries in a Thames-Side Borough

Runnymede may be landlocked, but water defines much of its character. The River Thames forms its northern and eastern boundary, and decades of sand and gravel extraction have left a network of lakes around Thorpe, Chertsey, Egham and neighbouring Wraysbury. These waters support some of the most famous coarse fisheries in southern England, and they attract anglers from across the country who come for specimen carp, pike, tench and bream.

Fishery businesses also include the seafood wholesalers and fishmongers that keep the borough's restaurants, hotels, pubs and households supplied with fresh fish. Runnymede is close to London's Billingsgate Market and well connected to the south coast, so local chefs have excellent access to quality seafood. This guide covers both sides of the industry, angling fisheries and seafood suppliers.

Ten Fishery and Seafood Companies Serving Runnymede

1. CEMEX Angling

CEMEX Angling manages a portfolio of lakes and rivers created from former mineral workings, including several in the Thames Valley close to Runnymede. Its waters are known for well-stocked, carefully managed fishing on season and day tickets, and the company invests in habitat improvement and bailiff services.

2. Wraysbury Fisheries

The lakes at Wraysbury, just across the Thames from Runnymede, are legendary in carp angling circles. They have produced some of the most famous fish in British angling history. Their large, mature waters offer a challenging and rewarding experience for serious specimen hunters.

3. Thames Valley Angling Association

Angling associations and clubs in the Thames Valley control stretches of river and stillwaters that are open to members at modest cost. They are an excellent route into fishing for beginners and families, and they play a vital role in conservation, river cleaning and juniors' coaching.

4. The Angling Trust

The Angling Trust is the national representative body for anglers in England. It campaigns on water quality, fish stocks and anglers' rights. For local fisheries on the Thames, its work on pollution, abstraction and predation is directly relevant to the health of the fish populations anglers enjoy.

5. Billingsgate Market Traders

Billingsgate in east London is the UK's largest inland fish market. Its independent traders supply many chefs and fishmongers in Surrey. Runnymede restaurants that want the widest choice of fresh fish, including less familiar species, often buy directly or through agents who shop the market early each morning.

6. Direct Seafoods

Direct Seafoods is a national foodservice seafood supplier with a strong London and South East operation. It serves hotels, restaurants and contract caterers with fresh and frozen fish, and focuses on responsible sourcing and traceability, which matters to the borough's upscale venues.

7. M and J Seafood

M and J Seafood, part of the Brakes group, supplies fresh and frozen seafood to caterers nationwide. Its broad range, reliable delivery and portion-controlled products make it a practical choice for pubs, schools and care settings that need consistent quality at scale.

8. The Fish Society

The Fish Society is an online fishmonger that delivers frozen-at-sea fish and seafood directly to homes. Its huge selection and convenient doorstep delivery make it popular with Runnymede households that want restaurant-quality fish without a trip to the coast.

9. Brakes

Brakes is one of the UK's leading foodservice wholesalers. It supplies seafood alongside a full range of ingredients to catering businesses. Its scale and frequent deliveries suit the borough's busy hospitality sector, including venues around Egham, Chertsey and Thorpe.

10. Bidfood

Bidfood is a major foodservice distributor with a substantial fish and seafood range. It supports restaurants, hotels and institutional caterers with chilled and frozen products, menu planning advice and a growing selection of sustainably certified options.

Trends in Fisheries and Seafood

Water quality is the defining issue for freshwater fisheries on the Thames. Anglers, conservation groups and regulators are increasingly focused on sewage discharges, agricultural run-off and invasive species. Many fishery managers now invest in habitat restoration, such as reed beds, marginal planting and fish refuges, to improve resilience against pollution and predation.

Angling itself is changing. Catch-and-release is now the norm on most specimen waters, and modern tackle, bait boats and digital mapping have made fishing more technical. At the same time, clubs and associations are working hard to attract young people and families, recognising angling's mental health and wellbeing benefits.

In the seafood trade, sustainability and traceability dominate. Chefs and consumers increasingly look for certification schemes, seasonal buying and lesser-known species that reduce pressure on overfished stocks. Suppliers that offer clear information about catch method, origin and stock status are gaining ground.

Choosing a Fishery or Seafood Supplier

For anglers, consider the target species, the type of water and the ticket structure. Day tickets suit occasional visits, while syndicates and season tickets offer quieter, more exclusive fishing. Always check rules on tackle, baits and night fishing, and make sure you hold a valid Environment Agency rod licence.

For restaurants and households, assess freshness, delivery reliability, range and sustainability credentials. Building a relationship with a trusted supplier means you will hear about the best seasonal catches first and receive honest advice on what to buy.

Conclusion

Runnymede's fisheries offer a rewarding mix of world-class angling on historic gravel pit lakes and easy access to the best seafood suppliers in the South East. Whether you are chasing a personal best carp or planning a seafood menu, the businesses in this guide provide the quality, expertise and care that local anglers and food lovers deserve.