Something fishy with Simon Rhodes from Lobsterpot Fishmongers, Wood Street Food Hall

WELL, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas and it’s that most wonderful time of the year when you can’t get those Christmas songs out of your head.

Santa Claus is coming to town and you pray to let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

Are you well prepared? Are you hanging up the stockings on your wall, are you hoping that the snow will start to fall? Do you hope that the traffic is clear when you’re driving home for Christmas?

Food is the biggest part of Christmas for me. I love the preparation and the excitement of showing off to the family.

Although the star of the show is the mains (restaurant term), remember the starters still have just as important part to play in the family Christmas pantomime.

You need something that is a light warm-up act, so you are not worn out for the main performance; something that won’t stress you out running around the stage while the audience have taken their seats.

I always thinks it’s best to have something already prepared. Fish or shellfish are great little entertainers and provide a great accompaniment to the star.

Smoked salmon is a wonderful crowd pleaser; all you have to do is dress the plate and apply a little artistic creativity Remember there is a big difference in the quality of smoked salmon. We have the perfect choice for you - our Severn and Wye smoked salmon is not too salty, smoky or oily.

Or what about a delightful prawn cocktail using our extremely popular large cooked crevettes? Add a little twist by making a homemade lemon mayonnaise.

Salmon tartare also goes down well; we have the most amazing organic salmon from Scotland that will put a smile on your family’s faces. Oysters can really start the show, with plenty of audience participation!

And if you really wish to impress, try our Shetland scallops. They’re easy to cook and the perfect choice for a delicate starter. Accompany them with a few glasses of bubbly and you’ll soon be rockin’ around the Christmas tree with your grandma, who says that the old songs are the best!