There is an appetite within the Corporation of London for a shared ‘food school’ between New Spitalfields, Billingsgate and New Smithfield markets.
That was the view of CJ Jackson, director of Billingsgate Seafood School, who was speaking at the World Union of Wholesale Markets’ conference in London today (25 September).
“There’s a long-term vision to see a combined school for the three markets,” she said. “I know a couple of visionaries who would love to see it happen. If one day London goes down the route of a Rungis-style single market [it could happen].”
While the concept has not been explored in depth, Jackson said early discussions had been held with representatives of New Smithfield, though she conceded it was “a long way down the line”.
Such a facility could work along the same lines as Billingsgate Seafood School, but also incorporating meat and fresh produce. The Billingsgate school already runs funded courses for schools and the local community; part-funded and fee-paying courses for the industry; and fee-paying courses for the general public.
It also works with children to help them understand the provenance and usage of seafood and encourage them to include more fish in their diets.
“We focus on fish as the ultimate fast food, and the fact you can get top-quality fish at a good price,” Jackson added.
