With Simon Rhodes of the Lobster Pot, fishmongers in Wood Street,  Swindon

The grey mullet is a popular fish around our shores and very underrated. It is part of the Mugilidae family and bears no resembelance to the red mullet or indeed a dodgy haircut from the 80's! It has an earthy flavour that requires a strong sauce or seasoning to bring out it's best taste. Three species of grey mullet are commonly found in the uk usually in calm waters such as harbours or esturies, thick lipped grey, the thin lipped grey and the smallest of mullets; the golden grey. Thick lipped grey mullet can live for up to 25 yrs and have the nickname of the silver or grey ghost. The Lobster Pot mainly stock this type as it is abundant, reasonably cheap and economical to buy.

The red mullet, however is a little more sought after and has a more delicate flavour. A member of the goat fish family this fish is ideal served with a risotto or maybe en-papillote, stuffed with some nice herbs such as tarragon or thyme.

Why not try a whole grey mullet for the family. Simply place the fish in a baking dish, drizzle with a good quality olive oil, a squeeze of lemon, salt and pepper and some crushed garlic. Bake uncovered in the oven for about 15 minutes depending on the size of the fish. Serve with some lightly crushed new potatoes, seasoned with olive oil and fresh herbs and some roasted fennel and root vegetables.

Remember to ask us to scale your mullet and clean it as it has an incredible amount of scales which can be difficult to dispose of in your kitchen.

Also just to let you know that we have a fantastic deal with whole sea bass at the moment; 3 for £12. Again, an economical and healthy meal for the family. Please check us out on our facebook page and 'like'.